Desalination of Groundwater Using Marble Filter

Abstract

Groundwater resources are one of the major sources of drinking water and cleaning agent around the world. In European countries, such as Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Romania and Iceland, more than 70% of their water supply comes from underground reservoirs [1], [2]. In the United States, groundwater is used to supply potable water for more than 96% of its inhabitants in rural areas [3]. In Asia, groundwater is also widely used for their water supply for example 80% in India's interior, 80% in the Maldives and more than 60% of water supply in the Philippines and Nepal comes from groundwater sources [3]. On the other hand, groundwater in Malaysia accounts for more than 90% of the country's water resources and is spatially distributed all over the country [4]. Kura et al. [4] reported that over the last three decades, there has been an increase in freshwater demand due to Malaysia's great economic and infrastructure development. According to, Manap et al. [5], it is estimated that the groundwater demand in Malaysia has been rising by 63% from 2000 to 2050 particularly as an alternative water sources in urban areas. However, the presence of salinity is inevitable when the water table in groundwater mixes with seawater. Salinity is defined as the concentration of salts in water or soil. It is classified in 3 forms and causes i.e. primary, secondary and tertiary salinity [6]. Primary salinity is called natural salinity. It is caused by natural processes such as from weathering of rocks and salt accumulation in the rainfall for thousands of years. Therefore, the small amount of salt in soil and water can be transferred to streams, rivers and groundwater. Secondary salinity is called dryland salinity where the accumulation of primary salinity brings salt to the surface through increased groundwater level. The discharging saline from groundwater can saturate the area with saline and leave salt crystals during dry season. This area is called salt