Evaluating the Efficacy of Natural Zeolite in Treating Saline Seawater for Multiuse in Southern Jordan

This study investigates the use of various types of natural zeolite stones to treat seawater in the Gulf of Aqaba in Southern Jordan. The research aims to examine the physical and chemical impacts of these stones on the permanent hardness of seawater and their potential for reducing this hardness to the lowest possible level while preserving the water’s essential properties. The treated water is intended for diverse practical uses, including agricultural, industrial, and domestic applications. The study’s main objective is to minimize the dissolved salts and hardness of highly saline water while maintaining the physical and chemical composition. This research focused on two categories of analysis: (1) the physical effects, which are focused on measuring the percentage of dissolved salts, electrical conductivity, turbidity, color, odor, and pH of water; (2) chemical effects, which cover water components such as carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrates, nitrites, and heavy metals before, during, and after treatment. Field testing instruments were employed alongside laboratory-based sampling and analysis to ensure precise and reliable documentation throughout the study. The extent of lead removal from water using zeolite was implemented in Jordan by a researcher from Zarqa University, who achieved good results with water discharged from a battery manufacturing plant that processes lead. The results were as follows: The zeolite used was one ton; daily factory water usage was 20 m²; working days were 100; and discharged water volume was 2000 m³. Finally, permissible pollution limits were safe and compliant with international specifications. The experimental results in this study showed that initial TDS values exceeding 38,000 ppm were reduced by more than 50% in several cases.