Zeolite water softening process will remove which ions?

• A. Sodium and Potassium
• B. Chloride and Sulfate
• C. Calcium and Magnesium
• D. Iron and Manganese

Answer: (C)

Zeolite softening works by ion exchange, where the resin beads carry sodium ions. As hard water passes through, the calcium and magnesium ions (which cause hardness) are attracted to the resin and swapped for sodium ions, which go into the water. This exchange lowers the calcium and magnesium levels, softening the water. The other ions listed aren’t the targets: chloride and sulfate are anions and aren’t removed by this cation-exchange process; sodium and potassium are the ions released into the water during the exchange; iron and manganese aren’t the primary ions a standard zeolite softener is designed to remove.