Defluoridation of Moroccan Groundwater by Nanofiltration and Electrodialysis: Performances and Cost Comparison

Fluoride contamination of groundwater has become of increasing worldwide concern. With the decrease in water resources, especially underground water and the frequent excess of fluoride observed these last decades, dilution became an ineffective solution. So to prevent this situation, the National Office of Potable Water (ONEP) in Morocco, has initiated studies to investigate remedial options. The study on the comparison of the performance of electrodialysis and nanofiltration in fluoride removal from Moroccan groundwater was started six years ago using two pilot plants. This study confirms the performances of the two technologies in the fluoride reduction and shows that these performances are comparable. A preliminary economical comparison is carried out. The investment and operating costs have been estimated for the two technologies on the basis of two different adopted models. The results of the two models are discussed and compared with industrial realities.