Formulating an Anorganic Membrane Using Clay, Activated Carbon and Micro Zeolite as Filter Media for Peat Water Purification

Abstract

Peat water is surface water in swampy or lowland areas that has a high color intensity, low pH (3-5) and strongly metals’ bonded. In proper treatment, the existence of peat water can meet the needs of the surrounding community. Additionally, keeping clean water or drinking water can be helped by the alternative treatment of peat water. Peat inorganic ceramic membrane which can be in accordance with water quality based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number: 492 / Menkes / Per / IV / 2010. Ceramic membrane made from clay and modified with activated carbon and zeolite in such way turned out to be able to produce drinking water in accordance with drinkable water standards. This study aims to determine the membrane’s ability to treat peat water and determine the magnitude of turbidity reduction, total dissolved solid (TDS), pH, Fe and Mn and E. coli bacteria. This research was carried out by filtering peat water through the membrane. Membranes was made of tubes with specifications used are 7 cm high and 6.8 cm in diameter and 0.8 cm wide with various mixture of clays, activated carbon and zeolites. The compositions are 80; 10; 10; 70; 20; 10; 60; 30; 10, 50; 40; 10, respectively, and 140 mesh active carbon size variations. After the investigation, it turns out that all of the composition 80; 10; 10 (clay: activated carbon: zeolite) with a combustion temperature of 800°C is the best membrane removal result that produces standards drinkable water content with clear color intensity.