Effectiveness of Household Ceramic Water Filters for the Cadmium Contamination Area in Mae Sot, Tak

Abstract

This experimental research was aimed at comparing effectiveness of ion exchange and adsorption water filters that made of ceramic fired at 4 different burning temperatures. In order to make filters, Tha Rua soil series was mixed with alumina, dolomite at the ratio of 60 : 30 : 10 and 20 percent activated carbon was added. The compositions were molded and burned at 4 different temperatures; 800 °C, 900 °C, 1,000 °C and 1,100 °C. Filtered water was tested for physical, chemical, biological quality. Bending strength test results of the filters were 2.7, 2.3, 2.3 and 2.0 while percentage of adsorption were 29.92, 39.39, 33.96, and 33.56, respectively. The burned ceramic type at 1,100 °C filter had highest flow rate of 118 liters per hour while that of the other types were 75, 62 and 31 respectively. Meanwhile, all types could reduce turbidity, ferric, and manganese to below limits. The ceramic type fired at 1,100 °C filter was the only filter that could reduce coliform bacteria and cadmium down to less than drinking water standard, for cadmium could be separated onward in the first hour. This capacity agreed with surface Cd and Fe tests which were analyzed by Energy Disposive X-ray Spectrometer (SEM/EDS). In conclusion, the ceramic water filter made at 1,100 °C could be used to reduce cadmium in household affected by environmental cadmium contamination.