Development and comparative analysis of aluminosilicate based ceramic filters for ground water defluoridation

Abstract

Low levels of fluoride in drinking water is healthy for the teeth enamel, however, higher concentrations result in dental fluorosis with prolonged exposures leading to skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride removal capacities of ceramic filters using aluminosilicates (Anfoega clay, Kibi kaolin, Laterite soil and Termitaria earth) samples from Ghana Geological Survey Department have been investigated and analysed for possible application in the Bongo District of Ghana noted for having high fluoride concentration in its ground water. Batch sorption studies conducted revealed that the amount of fluoride ions removed increased proportionally with increasing filter thickness, temperature and contact time to an optimum value. Using particle size ranges of <355μm and 1cm filter thickness at room temperature, the percentage of fluoride removed by the samples reached an optimum value after 70mins. Increases in filter thickness, contact time or temperature increased the amount of fluoride ions removed and the time required to reach the optimum value reduced significantly.