Question

How do Zeolites function in removing the hardness of water?

Answer 1

The zeolite function in removing the hardness of water in the following ways:

1. Zeolites are large group of silicate minerals where some of the silicon atoms replaced by Aluminum, hence called aluminosilicates.
2. Zeolites commonly used for cation exchangers and molecular sieves.
3. Some of the examples of zeolites are explained in below
4. 
5. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium salt which can be removed by normal laboratory methods.
6. The Zeolites which consist of sodium in their pores when filled with hard water in their columns can easily trap salts of calcium and magnesium and release sodium ions.
7. The sodium ion is easy to remove and softening of water can be done easily.

The above points and detailed diagram clearly explains the role of Zeolite in removing hardness of water.