Performance evaluation of open air burnt sorghum and wheat straw ashes in hard water treatment
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Abstract
The average values for the physiochemical parameters of raw water samples were 1.45 NTU, 5.42, 355 mS/cm, 8 Pt-Co, 60 mg/l and 740 mg/l respectively for turbidity, pH, EC, color, TDS and hardness. This measured hardness value of 740 mg/l was higher by 140 mg/l than the recommended standard for natural potable of 600 mg/l. In the course of hardness treatment, optimum dosages were obtained to be 20.0 g/l for WSA and 22.5 g/l for SSA, with hardness removal efficiencies of 53% and 42% respectively. At optimum dosages of the ashes, other physiochemical parameters of treated water samples were measured. Studies revealed that properties such as turbidity, pH, color and TDS of the treated water increased with respect to raw water samples but still remained within the acceptable limits except for alkalinity that was initially higher than the standard while EC and hardness reduced in percentages. The pH of raw water samples initially above the acceptable standards were found to be within the standards after being treated. The study revealed that WSA and SSA were good for hardness treatment and additives for raising the pH level. The ashes are recommended for hardness treatment being abundantly available and inexpensive for small scale hardness treatments in rural communities
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