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

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.
Key words: ceramic water filter, cadmium contamination, Tha Rua soil series