Work

Assessing the Potential of Magnetic Water Treatment of Groundwater for Calcium Carbonate Scale Mitigation in Drinking Water Distribution Networks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mineral scaling and corrosion pose significant challenges in groundwater distribution, increasing hydraulic resistance, reducing flow rates, and raising operational costs. Magnetic water treatment (MWT) has gained attention as a non-chemical method to mitigate scale formation by promoting the transformation of calcite, a hard and adherent CaCO3 polymorph, into aragonite, a softer and less adherent form. In Chihuahua, Mexico, mineral scaling has disrupted the drinking water distribution system, reducing flow and impairing service. This study evaluates MWT’s potential to mitigate scaling by analyzing magnetized water treated under various MWT configurations. Comparative analyses were conducted via XRD and SEM to assess changes in calcium carbonate polymorphs. Finite element method (FEM) simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 were used to evaluate the magnetic field distribution. The results show no systematic trend in CaCO3 polymorph transformation following MWT exposure, and FEM simulations indicate negligible magnetic field gradients in certain configurations. These findings highlight the critical role of optimizing magnetic field alignment and gradient strength. Future research should refine MWT configurations and incorporate real-time monitoring to enhance its effectiveness in scale prevention.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17091265

Authors: David Sanchez, Eduardo Herrera-Peraza, Carmen Navarro-Gomez, Jesus Ruben Sanchez-Navarro

Institutions: Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137