Abstract
This work presents the results of a study on the applicability of electrolysis in two-chamber electrolyzers with a diaphragm for reducing magnesium hardness in aqueous solutions. It was established that conducting electrolysis for 10–60 minutes allows for a reduction in the initial water hardness from 10–30 mg-eq/dm³ to 7 mg-eq/dm³, which meets the current regulatory standards for potable water. The primary factor contributing to hardness reduction is the increase in pH in the cathodic compartment. A slight decrease in hardness was also observed in the anodic compartment, likely due to the diffusion of magnesium ions through the diaphragm into the cathodic chamber. When the electrolyzer is powered by a stabilized DC voltage source, a significant change in current density on the electrodes is observed during electrolysis, caused by the changing conductivity of the solution in the cathodic compartment. Under a constant chemical composition of water, this relationship may be used to monitor the progress of the electrolysis process. The promising results encourage further research in this direction.