Performance of Venturi Aerator Combined with Zeolite Filter for Removing Iron and Manganese

Abstract

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking water, but this source frequently contaminated by heavy metals such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) due to contact with metallic minerals in the soil. This contamination not only causes discoloration and the formation of scale that damages pipes but also poses serious health risks, including neurological disorders and even cancer if consumed over a long period. Some water treatments, such as aeration and filtration, are capable to removal Fe and Mn concentration in groundwater. This study aims to solve this problem by testing the effectiveness of a combination of venturi aeration and zeolite filtration in reducing each Fe and Mn concentration in groundwater. Variations were made to the venturi aerator's air hole size with diameters of 12 mm, 10 mm, and 8 mm. During the aeration and filtration process, sampling was conducted at 0 minute; 15 minutes; 30 minutes; and 60 minutes. The highest removal Fe and Mn concentration occurred at the 8 mm diameter variation, with an Fe removal efficiency 97% and Mn removal efficiency 54% during the aeration process. After that, Mn reduction is up to 99% during the filtration process.