Evaluation of Kaolin as Adsorbent for Chlorine Reduction in Seawater from Forcados/Ogulagha Axis of Southwest Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper evaluates the use of three Nigerian clay types Otorho (OT, Abbi (BB) and Umutu (UM) as adsorbent for the reduction of chlorine in seawater from (Forcados/Ogulagha aix in Southwest Delta State using XRD X ray diffraction and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The alumino silicate nature of the clays was confirmed by the presence of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ and the presence of other elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Ti) in trace quantities. Percolation rate studies showed that clay UN had the lowest while OT had the highest. Clays fortified with stone pebbles in ratios 1:3 in columns in one flow-through and three flow troughs were used in different arrangements. Fortified clay (UM) gave the highest percentage reduction of 99.9%, BB clay 98.0% and OT clay 99.2%. The results showed that clay UM removed >99% of chloride.