Optimization and Modelling of the Removal of Groundwater Turbidity by Nanomagnetic Adsorbent Composite

Abstract

Groundwater pollution with turbidity problem is a matter of concern because at least 50 % of global population consume groundwater. The presence of suspended particles comprise of clay and silts as well as organic and inorganic particles is the main cause for the water to be turbid. A nanomagnetic adsorption composite (NMAC) was applied in this study to purify turbid polluted groundwater. A 3k full factorial design was used to investigate five factors; dosage of adsorbent (0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 g), time of agitation (15, 30, and 60 min), rate of adsorption (150, 200, and 250 rpm), size of adsorbent (<45 μm and >300 μm), and initial concentration of sample (<21.3 and < 48.8 NTU). The optimum parameters were found to be 0.02 g, 249 rpm, 46 min, <45 μm and <21.3 NTU with 94.13 % turbidity removal efficiency. The turbidity of purified groundwater complies with the Drinking Water Quality Standard.