New improvement ion exchange treatment method for drinking water in Juybar City, Iran

Due to the high cost of water refinement by chemicals, refinement is very important with low-cost methods. By promoting for cost-effective strategies, communities and regions can enhance their ability to address the increasing need for clean water while reducing the financial burden associated with traditional chemical treatments. This study evaluated the performance and efficiency of four strong acid cation exchange resins (Purolite C100, Purolite C100E, Trilite SCR-B, and Dowex Marathon C) in softening drinking water sourced from the Zoghal Manzel water station in Juybar City, Iran. A factorial experimental design was used to assess the effectiveness of these resins in removing calcium, magnesium, and sodium ions, with varying resin volumes of 3, 5, 8, and 10 L tested to evaluate the impact of resin quantity on ion removal efficiency. The study also examined the resins’ effects on key water quality parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and turbidity. Results showed that the Trilite SCR-B resin exhibited the highest efficiency in removing calcium and magnesium ions compared to the other resins. Specifically, at a pH of 6.63, the Trilite SCR-B resin reduced calcium hardness to 36.66 mg/l and magnesium hardness to 15.86 mg/l, both of which fall within acceptable drinking water standards (pH 6.5–8.5). Additionally, Trilite SCR-B significantly decreased EC from 884.33 µmho/cm to 485.67 µmho/cm, TDS from 596.17 to 241.7 mg/l, and turbidity to 0.69 NTU, confirming its superior effectiveness. Statistical analysis revealed that both resin type and volume were significant factors affecting performance; larger resin volumes provided greater contact surface area and increased adsorption capacity. Notably, 10 L of Trilite SCR-B resin removed 84.78% of calcium and 80.56% of magnesium ions, establishing it as the most efficient resin in this study. While Purolite C100E and Dowex Marathon C also demonstrated good performance, the highest ion removal rates were consistently observed with Trilite SCR-B. In summary, the findings advocate for the use of Trilite SCR-B resin as a highly efficient and cost-effective method for water softening. Its excellent performance in reducing water hardness and improving overall water quality makes it particularly suitable for regions with hard water conditions, and it shows considerable potential for broader application in water treatment plants. Continuous monitoring and optimization of resin types and volumes are recommended to maintain low turbidity and ensure compliance with safe drinking water standards.