Removal of Iron and Manganese in Groundwater Using Alum and Potassium Permanganate

Abstract

Groundwater has become one of the natural sources of water nowadays. Naturally, groundwater contains dissolving materials such as soils, rocks, and minerals, which later release constituents, including iron (Fe2+) and manganese (Mn). However, raw groundwater has been found to consist of a high concentration of such minerals, which exceed the Groundwater Quality Standard published by the Department of Environment Malaysia. Initially, the concentration of Fe2+ and Mn exceeding the limit mentioned in the standard; 1.0 and 0.2 mg/L, respectively, might affect the quality of the groundwater. Hence, such condition of water needs to be treated before it can be distributed to the user. This study presents the combination usage of alum and potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in removing Fe2+ and Mn in the groundwater. The jar test was the main mechanism used in identifying the best optimum medium dosages (alum and KMnO4) as well as the best contact time for both mediums to efficiently remove Fe2+ and Mn in groundwater. In this study, water samples were taken from Chicha Water Treatment Plant in Kelantan. It can be said that both alum and KMnO4 managed to remove Fe2+ and Mn up to 35% and 45%, respectively when using alum dosage of 12 mg/L and KMnO4 dosage of 1.5mg/L with a contact time of 40 minutes. In addition, both mediums also managed to remove other parameters such as colour, turbidity, cations, and pH.