Utilizing Eggshell Waste in Sand Filtration for Sustainable Iron Removal from Groundwater

Abstract

Iron contamination in groundwater poses significant health risks, particularly in rural areas where conventional filtration methods may be economically unfeasible. This study investigates the use of eggshell powder as a sustainable filtration medium in combination with sand to remove iron from groundwater. Groundwater samples with an average iron concentration of 3.98 mg/L were treated through aeration, sedimentation, and filtration using a sand-egg shell composite filter. The system demonstrated high efficiency, reducing iron levels to 0.13 mg/L and achieving a maximum iron removal rate of 96% under optimal conditions (2 hours of aeration and 6 hours of sedimentation). The pH of the treated water was effectively neutralized to 7.2, and turbidity was significantly reduced from 59.02 NTU to 2.5 NTU. The filter maintained stable performance for up to 24 days, with an iron removal efficiency of 88% at the end of the period, suggesting a potential operation cycle of 24 days before media replacement is needed. This study underscores the potential of eggshell waste as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for iron removal in groundwater filtration