Viabilidade ambiental dos resíduos de caulim como meio filtrante para filtro no tratamento de agua para abastecimento/consumo humano.

Abstract

The kaolin exploration activity, despite being very viable and profitable, it causes great environmental impacts, one of the main problems is the waste generated. The use of environmentally friendly materials to solve society's problems is indispensable nowadays. Based on this, this work aims to study the environmental feasibility of using kaolin extraction waste as a filter medium for filters, replacing the use of other more commonly used as sand, activated carbon, pebbles among others. For this, among other procedures, prototypes of filters with pet bottles were built and their efficiency was verified. The physical-chemical parameters monitored were color, turbidity and pH, where values obtained were compared with those provided for in the legislation. The results indicated that the color presented high concentrations in all samples, which leads us to believe that it is a characteristic of the water in the spring to be treated and is not directly linked to filtration. The turbidity was well below the maximum allowed value and the pH was within the permitted limit standard, so the turbidity and pH were in compliance with the legislation in comparison to what is established by Decree No. 5/2017 of the Ministry of Health. It is possible to conclude that the filter made of kaolin waste filter material is viable for the treatment of water supply.