What type of process is used to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water in a zeolite softener?

The process utilized to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water in a zeolite softener is cation exchange.

In this context, cation exchange is a water treatment process where cations (positively charged ions) in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, are exchanged for other cations that are typically less problematic, like sodium. Zeolite materials serve as the medium for this exchange. When hard water containing high concentrations of calcium and magnesium passes through a zeolite softener, these hardness ions are captured by the zeolite, while sodium ions are released into the water.

This method is effective for water softening, as it reduces the hardness of the water, making it more suitable for various applications, including household use, which can prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances.

Other methods listed, such as ionic filtration, reverse osmosis, and distillation, do not specifically target cation exchange or are not typically associated with the process within a zeolite softener. Ionic filtration might imply a different mechanism, reverse osmosis relies on membrane technology to remove a wide range of impurities including ions, and distillation involves heating and evaporation which is not how a zeolite softener operates. Thus, cation exchange distinctly defines the mechanism through