investigation and treatment of red sea water by zeol ites

Abstract

Abstract Fifieen types of natural Zeolites, synthetic zeolites and clay (Bentonite, Kaolinte) were used in this study. Nine types of synthetic zeolites were synthesized by using raw materials such as (K-fledspar, clay and trona) in certain ratios. The column that was used for passing hard water was prepared for natural Zeolite, synthetic zeolite and clay. The Red Sea water samples were collected fi-om the shore of Port Sudan City. The analysis was conducted on them for determinating the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Fe,Zn, Cd and Co) and the hardness causing metals (Ca, Mg).The samples were taken from, Eastern side of Port Sudan (segala area) which supplying drinking water for Port Sudan City alter treatment by using reverse osmoses and desalination plant. The routine analysis was carried out to determine the other parameters of water quality. Hydrogen ion concentration (pH) was measured using pH meter, TDS concentration was determined by TDS meter and concentration of heavy metals was measured by Atomic absorption spectroscopy, also the concentration of some cations especially those which cause water hardness (Ca; Mg) were determined by titrating against E.D.T.A . The concentration of anions (F; sot, NO}, NO'3 and NH3) was measured by Hach spectrophotometer. The XRD and IR spectroscopies were used for identification and determination of the zeolites and clay structures. The study concentrated on removing heavy metals and hardness causing elements from the water samples.

The results obtained were analysed. The analysis revealed that synthetic zeolite is far better than natural zeolite and clay. Albite was found to be the best type.