Prototype for Removal of Residual Chlorine, Hardness and Manganese from Drinking Water

Residual chlorine, while crucial for water disinfection, can lead to skin irritation and hair degradation over time. Additionally, water hardness exacerbates dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis and hair breakage, and elevated manganese concentrations can be toxic, negatively impacting neurological health. This study aimed to develop a domestic-use prototype designed to improve water quality. The methodology involved constructing the prototype using ion exchange resins and granular activated carbon and evaluating its effectiveness in removing residual chlorine, hardness, and manganese from synthetic solutions. The adsorption capacity of the filtration bed was assessed through the breakthrough curve. The prototype reduced 99±0.02% residual chlorine, 97±0.00% hardness, and 98.5±1.00% manganese in synthetic solutions. The average breakthrough time was 1,020 minutes, while the average saturation time was 1,440 minutes, with a solution flow rate of 136.03 cm³.min⁻¹. The results demonstrate the prototype’s potential for improving specific quality parameters in potable water.