Abstract:
Groundwater is a vital resource in the northern region of Sri Lanka, as it is the only water resource used for domestic, agricultural
and industrial activities in that area. However, due to excessive usage of synthetic fertilizer, the groundwater in this
part of the country is highly contaminated with nitrates. In addition, due to the effect of underlain limestone aquifer, water
hardness is also high. The present study aimed to study the effect of filtration through Terminalia arjuna mature leaf powder
and Phyllanthus emblica bark powder on reducing nitrate concentration and hardness. The results indicated that 21.4% reduction
of nitrate concentration can be achieved by filtration through Terminalia arjuna mature leaf powder and 9.3% reduction
of total hardness by filtration through Phyllanthus emblica bark powder. Therefore, further research is recommended on
testing the potential and side effects of using Terminalia arjuna mature leaf powder and Phyllanthus emblica bark powder
as a combined home remedial treatment technique for treating nitrate contaminated hard water.
