discuss the principle and method of softening of hard water by synthetic ion exchange resins
Ion exchange resins can be used to carry softening of water. Ion exchange resins are capable of exchanging particular ions with the ions in solution.
To carry out water softening calcium and magnesium (which impart hardness to solution) are to be removed. This is carried out by using a resin which contains sodium ions but which bind to calcium or magnesium much more strongly. Therefore as hard water is passed through the resin, the resin takes up calcium and magnesium releasing sodium ions in the solution.
The solution - hard water is passed down the resin bed. Sodium ions from the resin are exchanged for calcium and magnesium ions from hard water, making it soft.