PENGARUH KETEBALAN LAPISAN ZEOLIT SEBAGAI FILTER DALAM PROSES FILTRASI AIR RAWA ASIN

Abstract

Wetland saline water is the water from river that is exposed to the salt content which empties into the sea. Unfortunately, this water become a big problem in South Kalimantan if it is widely used as a source of clean water for the communities, therefore, this water is not suitable for daily needs. Sea water that enters to the body of wetland water causes salinity is almost the same as sea water which is 3.5wt%. This study was conducted to treat wetland saline water using a process of coagulation, flocculation and filtration to produce clean water. The purpose of this work is to determine the effect of the thickness of the zeolite layer on the ability to treat wetland saline water to become clean water through filtration process. The filter media employed consisted of gravel (8 cm) at the bottom, zeolites (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm), and charcoal (4 cm). The results show that the thickness of zeolite has an influence on pH, TDS (Total dissolved Solid)  and conductivity in wetland saline water treatment. The best zeolite thickness is obtained at 4 cm, with pH, TDS and conductivity values of 5.7; 209 mg.L^-1; and 424 µs.cm^-1. This TDS value has met the quality standard according to Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 492 / Menkes / Per / IV / 2010. This indicates that zeolite has the potential to reduce salt concentration in wetland saline water.