FURI | Spring 2018

Electromagnetic Ion-Exchange Water Treatment

In the southern United States, water quality varies in its calcium hardness from 80-240 mg/L, which is an excess of minerals in the water. To reduce this excess, salt-based softeners are used because sodium dissolves better than these minerals. However, the recycled water becomes too salty and unusable, which further reduces the minimal water supply. This study uses an alternative ion-exchange method that implements electromagnetic fields to reduce the minerals in the water. Understanding how water properties change and testing different mineral levels will determine if this device can become a sustainable alternative option.