Utilization of Natural Zeolite as Sorbent Material for Seawater Desalination

Abstract

Natural zeolite obtained from Sukabumi, Bandung, Indonesia was used as sorbent material for reducing salinity of seawater. The sorption ability of zeolite was enhanced through thermal activation by using furnace. In this study we obtained the optimum condition of activation is 225 °C for 3 h. The sorption effectiveness was determined through measurement the reduction of salinity (Rs) and efficiency of reduction (η). The highest value of Rs and η are 3.2 ppt and 9.14%, respectively at 7.5 g of sorbent dose. Effectiveness of desalination process can be enhanced through the increase of zeolite dose. Natural zeolite from Sukabumi possess great potential as low cost sorbent material for seawater desalination.