Author(s): Muhammad Fitri Mohd Akhir; Noor Aida Saad; Nor Azazi Zakaria
Linked Author(s): Nor Azazi Zakaria, Noor Aida Saad
Keywords: Roughing filter; Limestone; Particle size; Retention time; Flow rate
Abstract: Groundwater is a supplementary source of freshwater in Malaysia, which is cleaner than surface water. Nevertheless, it only contributes to about 1.23% of the public water supply source in the nation. The groundwater is pumped from an aquifer under the ground and it is generally less contaminated compared to surface water yet contaminants such as nitrates, arsenic, metals, volatile organic compounds and pathogens had threatened the quality of groundwater. Mostly, localities groundwater problem with higher concentration of iron and manganese is inevitable. These higher concentrations of both metals result in metallic taste of water, changes in color and flavor of food and also could cause staining of assorted products like papers, cloths and plastics. Human activities and organic compound decomposition trigger the existence of oil. The riskiest elements that could cause toxicity to human’s health and environment are heavy metal elements even at a lower dose or concentration of exposure. Thus, in order to remove the groundwater contaminants, an efficient method is needed for a higher removal efficiency and lower operational cost. A preliminary study has been carried out by applying roughing filter as filtration method. Ferrous sulphide is chosen as a main contaminant to be studied due to its dominant presence in groundwater research site area. Performance of roughing filter using high purity of limestone and particle size ranging from 35mm to 0.125mm is studied to provide a good retention time and flow rate.
Year: 2018