Characterizations of Some Selected Clay Types for Cost Effective Wastewater Treatments

Water pollution poses a significant challenge to water consumption, particularly in relation to drinking purposes. Various factors such as industrial discharge, improper waste management, waste build-up, and natural activities contribute to the contamination of water bodies. Adequate water treatment plays a crucial role in the preservation of water quality and compliance with environmental regulations. The treatment process typically involves the application of physical, chemical, and biological techniques, with a common reliance on chemical substances and intricate systems. Recent studies have increasingly explored the utilization of cost-efficient natural materials for water treatment, highlighting benefits like affordability, user-friendliness, health advantages, and widespread availability. This particular investigation aimed to assess the suitability of selected natural substances for the treatment of wastewater, focusing primarily on methods like adsorption, absorption, and filtration. A number of earth materials, notably three distinct types of clays prevalent in Sri Lanka, were singled out for examination. The findings unveiled that these clays predominantly consist of over 75% iron in their mineral composition, with certain samples displaying finer particles to enhance porosity and permeability. These raw materials exhibit potential for the fabrication of wastewater treatment systems intended for the elimination of suspended particles, dissolved solids, heavy metals, pathogens, oils, and toxic compounds. Their distinct chemical properties render them appropriate for catalytic reactions and advanced chemical processes