What method is typically used to remove fluoride from water?

The method typically used to remove fluoride from water is through ion exchange. This process involves the exchange of fluoride ions in the water with other ions, typically hydroxide ions or other ions present in a resin. This is a highly effective technique for reducing fluoride concentrations to meet safe drinking water standards.

When utilizing ion exchange for fluoride removal, specific resins are designed to target fluoride ions, making it a focused and efficient method compared to other options. Other methods may not be as effective in specifically targeting and removing fluoride, which can result in varying levels of success depending on water chemistry and treatment parameters.

Chlorination, while an essential process in water treatment for disinfection, does not specifically address fluoride removal. Activated carbon filtration can adsorb some contaminants but is less effective for fluoride. Sodium aluminate primarily serves as a coagulant and is not a direct method for fluoride removal.