Olivine Basalt Filtration
Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids and gases from water.
ANALYSIS
Analysis was conducted on the samples to determine the acceptability of the material for use in a filtration bed. Through construction of the filtration bed, the rocks are seen to have good hydraulic conductivity as the flow rate did not drastically differ from the flow rate of the empty cylinder.
FOR A FILTER BED
In summary the material has demonstrated that it can be used in a filter bed with acceptable flow rates and without contaminating the filtrate significantly.
FILTRATION
The goal is to produce water fit for a specific purpose. Most water is disinfected for safe drinking, but water purification may also be designed for a variety of other purposes, including, • medical, • pharmacological, • chemical and • industrial applications.
METAL ANALYSIS
Metals analysis was also conducted on the material including Total metals and TCLP, the TCLP results were compared to the Australian drinking water guidelines as trace amount of nickel was found to leach out of the sample.
CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY (CEC)
Normal Cation Exchange Capacity for basalt is between <9 to 12>. Z-Edge Media has a CEC of 14, with all the trace elements and micronutrients, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, highly valuable health benefits.
NICKEL
The concentration of nickel in the leachate however was below the Australian standard of 0.02 mg/L indicating that the material in the filter bed does not contaminate the solution above the health standards set out in the guideline and should be safe.