The Effect of Pre-Treatment Process on the Separation of Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) Metals in Well Water in Lampoh DayaBanda Aceh City

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the main sources of clean water supply and plays a vital role in meeting the needs of living organisms. However, groundwater quality often declines due to contamination by metals such as Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Total Suspended Solids (TSS), which exceed the quality standards established in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 2 of 2023 on Clean Water Quality Standards. Excessive concentrations of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and TSS not only degrade the physical quality of water causing changes in color, odor, and taste but also pose potential health risks such as digestive disorders, tissue damage, and skin diseases. This study aims to determine the effect of the pre-treatment process and filter media thickness on reducing Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) concentrations in well water in Lampoh Daya Village, Banda Aceh City. The research employed a laboratory experimental method with a quantitative approach. Well water samples were tested before and after treatment, which consisted of: (1) A pre-treatment process using coral stones and coconut fiber (ijuk) at a thickness of 45 cm, which produced the lowest concentrations at sampling point II, with Fe at 0.031 mg/L and Mn at 0.035 mg/L; and (2) A filtration process using coral stones, coconut fiber, activated carbon, and silica sand, which produced the lowest concentrations at a thickness of 90 cm at sampling point II, with Fe at 0.05 mg/L, Mn at 0.1 mg/L, and TSS at 2.4 mg/L. Based on the experimental results, the combination of the pre-treatment process and filter thickness can serve as an effective alternative solution for reducing Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) concentrations in groundwater.