Evaluating the Efficacy of Natural Zeolite in Treating Saline Seawater for Multiuse in Southern Jordan

Abstract

This study investigates using various types of natural zeolite stones to treat seawater in the Gulf of Aqaba in southern Jordan. The research aims to examine the physical and chemical impacts of these stones on the permanent hardness of seawater and the potential for reducing this hardness to the lowest possible level while preserving the water’s essential properties. The treated water is intended for diverse practical uses, including agricultural, industrial, and domestic applications. The study’s main objective is to minimize highly saline water’s dissolved salts and hardness while maintaining the physical and chemical composition. This research focused on two categories of analysis: (1) the physical effects, which are focused on measuring the percentage of dissolved salts, electrical conductivity, turbidity, color, odor, and pH of water; (2) chemical effects, covering water components such as carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals before, during, and after treatment. Field testing instruments were employed alongside laboratory-based sampling and analysis to ensure precise and reliable documentation throughout the study. The extent of lead removal from water using zeolite was implemented in Jordan by a researcher from Zarqa University, who achieved good results on water discharged from a battery manufacturing plant that deals with lead. The results were as follows: Zeolite used is one ton; daily factory water usage is 20m²; working days is 100; discharged water is 2000 m³. Finally, permissible pollution limits were Safe and compliant with international specifications.