Evaluating a Small-scale Membrane Technology for Removing Salinity in Village Water Supply at Dan Kuntot, Nakhon Ratchasima

Abstract

This study evaluates the use of a solar-powered membrane separation device to remove salinity from a village water supply in Dan Kuntot District. Water quality from surface water, freshwater, and tap water were tested for pH, temperature, turbidity, salinity, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results showed that surface water had high levels of salinity (1.6-2.1 ppt), conductivity (3495-3982 µS/cm, and TDS (2097-2351 mg/L). The surface water had a pH in the range of 5.7 to 6.2, temperatures of 27.6 to 29.3 Celsius, and turbidity of 6.8 to 10.1 NTU. The freshwater from the village water supply had a comparable pH (5.5-6.9).  Turbidity levels were low (0.25-0.27 NTU). Conductivity and TDS levels were a bit lower to 3342-3415 µS/cm and 2005-2049 mg/L, respectively. Salinity levels remained high, 1.6 ppt. The village water treatment process cannot remove salt molecules. The tap water had an undetected salinity level after the freshwater passed through the membrane device. Conductivity and TDS were much lower, ranging from 14 to 19 µS/cm and 9 to 12 mg/L, respectively. The solar-powered small membrane separation could remove salinity as high as 2.1 ppt down to undetected level. The device could separate salt molecules using membrane technology, significantly reducing salinity levels in the tap water. Conductivity and TDS levels were also considerably lower in the tap water, with more than a 99 percent reduction. However, the produced water had low pH levels. Adding alkalinity would bring the pH close to neutral.