Effect of magnetic treatment of water on chemical properties of water and sodium adsorption ratio

Abstract

This study assessed effect of magnetic treatment of water on chemical properties of water, sodium adsorption ratio, electrical conductivity (EC) of the water and the lifespan of the magnetic effect on water. Magnetic flux densities used for treating the water were 124, 319, 443 and 719 gauss. All the cations (Calcium, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Cadmium and Lead) were determined using the Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater by American Public Health Association (APHA, 2005). The mean values of concentration of calcium for magnetically treated water (MTW) for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th days after the treatment were 3.197, 3.166, 3.136 and 3.104 mg/L while for non–magnetically treated water (NMTW) were 3.130, 3.095, 3.055 and 3.020 mg/L, respectively. The mean values of nitrate from MTW were 43.07, 43.04. 42.71 and 42.56 mg/L while for NMTW were 42.73, 42.57, 42.00 41.81 mg/L, respectively. The mean value of sulphate from MTW on the first day was 50.06 mg/L while that of NMTW was 47.80 mg/L. The mean values of SAR with MTW for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th days after the treatment were 9.715, 0.710, 9.769 and 9.717 dS/m while the corresponding values of SAR for NMTW were 9.877, 9.806, 9.94 and 9.976 dS/m. All the values of SAR for NMTW were higher than the values of SAR for MTW. The values of EC were also higher for NMTW than that of MTW. MTW is better for irrigating soil than NMTW that could cause soil salinity.

Keywords: Irrigation water quality, magnetic treatment of water, sodium adsorption ratio