Method to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water

Researchers Develop Herbal Method to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water




Researchers
in India have developed a filter system based on a medicinal herb,
which they say can quickly and easily remove fluoride from drinking
water.

The technology described in the March issue of the International Journal of Environmental Engineering uses parts of the plant Tridax procumbens as a biocarbon filter for the ion.




Drinking water can contain natural fluoride or fluoride might be
added as a protective agent for teeth by water companies. However, its
presence is not without controversy while in some natural drinking water
levels may be above those considered safe by the World Health
Organisation. Chemist Malairajan Singanan of the Presidency College
(Autonomous), in Chennai, points out that the WHO guidelines suggest
that a safe level of fluoride is 1.5 milligrams per liter.

He adds that various techniques to reduce fluoride content have been
tried including coagulation, adsorption, precipitation, ion exchange,
reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis. However, metal ions with an
affinity for fluoride in a biocarbon matrix represent a promising new
approach.

Singanan has investigated Tridax procumbens, which is commonly
used as a medicinal herb in India, as a biocarbon absorbent for
fluoride. Previously, the plant has been tested in the extraction of
toxic heavy metals from water. He explains that by loading up plant
tissue with aluminum ions it is possible create a safe biocarbon filter
that will readily absorb fluoride ions from water warmed to around 27
Celsius passing through the filter.

His trials show that it takes just three hours to remove 98% of fluoride with just 2 grams of the biocarbon filter.

The biocarbon filter might provide an inexpensive way to defluoridate
water in regions where the natural level of this mineral is high in
ground water, including India, China, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Spain,
Holland, Italy, Mexico, North and South America. It might also be
adapted for those consumers who wish to reduce their exposure to
fluoride, despite its dental health benefits, in parts of the world
where it is added to the water supply for public health reasons.

Source: Inderscience release
Source:-
http://organicconnectmag.com/wp/researchers-develop-herbal-method-to-remove-fluoride-from-drinking-water/#.UVr_WznK3IV