MenuISSN (0970-2083)
ISSN (0970-2083)
D. Santhi1, V. Umayoru Bhagan2 and R. Lekshmana Sarma3
1Department of Chemistry, TDMNS College, T.Kallikulam, Tirunelveli, T.N., India
2S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari Dist., India
3Vivekananda College, Agasteeswaram, Kanyakumari Dist., India
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A study was conducted to investigate the possibility of removing fluoride from water using low cost adsorbents such as Acacia Catechu, Cuminum cyminum, Coens vettriverodies, Eletaria cardamomum, Phyllanthus embilica, Strychnos potatorum and Tamarindus indica
Defluoridation, Drinking water, Ion selective electrode.
In Vallioor Union of Tirunelveli District most of the people are dependent on ground water for drinking. But the ground water is contaminated with dissolved inorganic substances namely fluoride, which makes the water unsafe for drinking. Fluoride is one such constituent found in ground water in Vallioor Union causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. The excess of fluoride in drinking water can be removed by adopting various methods using various adsorbents.
The defluoridating agents may be divided into three basic types depending upon the process of removal of fluoride.
1. Those based on adsorption process.
2. Those based on ion-exchange process.
3. Those based on some kinds of chemical reaction with fluoride.
In the present study the adsorption process has been adopted.
Characteristics of a good adsorbent
1. The adsorbents must be available locally.
2. The cost of the adsorbents must be low.
3. Hie materials should have powerful removal capacity of fluoride.
4. The materials should not give any other side effects.
5. The method of operation must be easy.
6. The materials should be readily acceptable to the users.
In the present study the following adsorbents have been selected for defluoridation.
1. Acacia catechu
2. Coens vettiverodies
3. Cuminum cyminum
4. Eletaria cardamomum
5. Phyllanthus embilica
6. Strychnos potatorum
7. Tamarindus indica
All the adsorbents except tamarindus indica were separately weighed. The known weight of adsorbent pieces were mixed with known volume of standard solution of sodium fluoride, boiled, cooled and then filtered. The filtrate was used for fluoride analysis using ion selective electrode.
0.1 gram of tamarind (dry fruit) was dissolved in 100ml of distilled water and 0.05 mg AR sodium chloride was added and mixed thoroughly with a glass rod. Then the solution was filtered through Whatman No.42 filter paper. The filtrate was used to dilute the stock sodium fluoride solution to suitable concentrations such as 6ppm, 7ppm and 8ppm. This mixture was taken in a beaker and heated for boiling. Then the solution was allowed to cool and the concentration of fluouride was noted by using ion selective electrode.
The Table -2 indicates the values of defluoridation. All the adsorbents reduced the fluoride content, but the pH values of resultant water also lowered.
Table 1: Botanical and English name of the adsorbents.
Table 2: Low cost adsorbents for defluoridation of drinking water.
Among these defluoridating agents Eletaria cardomomum showed the best results obtained. Other defluoridating agents also reduced the fluoride concentrations but pH value was also highly lowered (ie) water became acidic.
The investigation revealed the fact that the people should be provided drinking water containing fluoride in permissible range (1 ppm) in addition to the diet with sufficient dose of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants.
Drinking water is an important basic need. Hence people should consume protected water containing fluoride within the prescribed limits. If not, they will be affected by dental and skeletal fluorosis.
The authors express gratitude to the Management and Principal of S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil.
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