Open access

Natural Zeolites in Water Treatment – How Effective is Their Use

Written By

Karmen Margeta, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Mario Šiljeg and Anamarija Farkas

Published: 16 January 2013

DOI: 10.5772/50738

From the Edited Volume

Water Treatment

Edited by Walid Elshorbagy and Rezaul Kabir Chowdhury

Chapter metrics overview

17,104 Chapter Downloads

View Full Metrics

1. Introduction

Natural zeolites are environmentally and economically acceptable hydrated aluminosilicate materials with exceptional ion-exchange and sorption properties. Their effectiveness in different technological processes depends on their physical-chemical properties that are tightly connected to their geological deposits. The unique tree-dimensional porous structure gives natural zeolites various application possibilities. Because of the excess of the negative charge on the surface of zeolite, which results from isomorphic replacement of silicon by aluminum in the primary structural units, natural zeolites belong to the group of cationic exchangers. Numerous studies so far have confirmed their excellent performance on the removal of metal cations from wastewaters. However, zeolites can be chemically modified by inorganic salts or organic surfactants, which are adsorbed on the surface and lead to the generation of positively charged oxi-hydroxides or surfactant micelles, and which enables the zeolite to bind also anions, like arsenates or chromates, in stable or less stable complexes. Natural zeolites have advantages over other cation exchange materials such as commonly used organic resins, because they are cheap, they exhibit excellent selectivity for different cations at low temperatures, which is accompanied with a release of non-toxic exchangeable cations (K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) to the environment, they are compact in size and they allow simple and cheap maintenance in the full-scale applications. The efficiency of water treatment by using natural and modified zeolites depends on the type and quantity of the used zeolite, the size distribution of zeolite particles, the initial concentration of contaminants (cation/anion), pH value of solution, ionic strength of solution, temperature, pressure, contact time of system zeolite/solution and the presence of other organic compounds and anions. For water treatment with natural zeolites, standard procedures are used, usually a procedure in column or batch process. Ion exchange and adsorption properties of natural zeolites in comparison with other chemical and biological processes have the advantage of removing impurities also at relatively low concentrations and allows conservation of water chemistry, if the treatment is carried out in the column process [1]. Subject of further academic and industrial research should be to improve the chemical and physical stability of modified zeolites and to explore their catalytic properties, which would allow their use in catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. More careful consideration of their superb metal removal properties and awareness of possible regeneration or further use of contaminant/metal-loaded forms can considerably increase their environmental application possibilities, with a focus the reduction of high concentrations of cations and anions in drinking water and wastewater, for surface, underground and public municipal water treatment independently or in combination with others physical - chemical methods [2].

1.1. Water treatment using natural zeolites

1.1.1. Wastewater treatment

The use of natural zeolites in wastewatertreatment is one of the oldest and the most perspective areas of their application. The presence of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, Fe, etc.) in wastewater is a serious environmental problem and their removal by natural zeolites have been extensively studied along with other technologies, including chemical precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, membrane filtration, coagulation flocculation, flotation and electrochemical methods [3]. Recent investigations of natural zeolites as adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment, their properties and possiblemodification of natural zeolites have been a subject of many studies. Various natural zeolites around the world have shown good ion-exchange capacities for cations, such as ammonium and heavy metal ions. Modification of natural zeolites can be performed by several methods, such as acid treatment, ion exchange, and surfactant functionalization. The modified zeolites can show high adsorption capacity also for organic matter and anions [4].

1.1.2. Surface waters, ground and underground water treatment

The applicability of natural zeolites for the simultaneous removal of ammonia and humic acid, two of the most encountered current contaminants, from the surface waters was also investigated. Their removal depends on pH value, initial concentrations of humic acid and ammonia, temperature and contact time. The obtained results indicated that zeolite showed best performance for simultaneous removal of ammonia and humic acid at the pH close to that of natural waters [5]. The use of natural and modified zeolites has been further investigated for the simultaneous removal of Fe and Mn ions from underground water samples. In particular, Fe and Mn removal levels are between 22-90% and 61-100% for natural zeolite - clinoptilolite [6]. The development of new and cost effective methods to remove As from ground waterand drinking water also becomes one of the research priorities. The occurrence of arsenic in natural ground waters is due to geological composition of soil.

1.1.3. Drinking and grey water treatment

Several conventional methods are used for the removal of pollutants from drinking water, such as coagulation followed by filtration, membrane processes and ion exchange. Adsorption methods proved to be effective, economically efficient, easy to perform and construct. Some experiments were conducted to study the efficiency of natural zeolite clinoptilolite and of the clinoptilolite-Fe system in removal of Cu, Mn, Zn, which are simultaneously found in water samples. A very unique property of natural zeolites is their selectivity towards cationic. The excellent results of adsorption experiments, especially for the modified forms along with the fact that the clinoptilolite–Fe system is inexpensive, easily synthesized and regenerated, harmless for human beings, as well as for the environment, we can consider it as a very promising selective metal adsorbent [7]. Using iron/aluminum hydroxide to remove arsenic from water is a proven technology. An alternative method to enhance the performance is to use coarse-grained sorbents to increase the flow rate and throughput of the process. The removal of arsenic from drinking water was studied by using modified adsorbents (natural zeolite) prepared by the use of different iron solutions. The arsenic sorption on the Fe-exchanged zeolite could reach up to 100 mg/kg [8,9]. The high surface area of modified natural zeolite (clinoptilolite)-iron oxide system in strongly basic conditions, can also enhance the removal of cations, like Cu from drinking water. The specific surface area of modified clinoptilolite increased up to 5-times (from 30 to 151m2 /g) and the maximum amount of adsorbed Cu ions was 13.6 mg/g zeolite for natural clinoptilolite and 37.5 mg/g for modified clinoptilolite [10]. In spite of many scientific evidences of the effectiveness of zeolites in anion removal, not many of them are used on larger scales up to date. High concentrations of fluoride ions in groundwater up to more than 30 mg/L, occur widely, notably in the United States of America, Africa and Asia. More than 260 million people worldwide consume drinking water with a fluoride content of >1.0 mg/L. The available techniques for the removal of F- -anions from drinking water are membrane techniques, dialysis, electro-dialysis and finally adsorption techniques. Clinoptilolite-type natural zeolite was pre-conditioned with nitric acid solution before loading with Al3+, La3+ or ZrO2+. Aluminium-loaded low-silica zeolites as adsorbents for fluorides showed that modified zeolites were able to defluoridate water to below WHO’s maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of 1.5 mg/L. The maximum fluoride adsorption was in the pH range of 4–8 [11]. High nitrateconcentrations in drinking water sources can lead to a potential risk to environment and public health. Removal efficiency of NO3-ions can be increased by treatment of the clinoptilolite samples with HDTM+ (hexadecyltrimethylammoniumcation) or cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) [12].Grey water is wastewater originated from bathroom and laundry in households. Ammonium is one of the most significant grey water contaminants. Natural and modified zeolites are used for their purification and they shows good performance with up to 97% of ammonium removal depending on contact time, zeolite loading, initial ammonium concentration and pH value.The desorption–regeneration studies demonstrated that the desorption of ammonium on the zeolite is sufficiently high [13,14].

1.1.4. The technological application of natural zeolites in water treatment

Numerous and excellent research results in the last 10 years have shown that natural zeolites have practical use, which is confirmed by a large number of patents, especially for the two naturally occurring zeolite minerals: clinoptilolite and moderniteshown in Figure 1. The number of patents is substantial for both zeolite types, which gives a clear notice that the interest of researcher in natural zeolites is strongly encouraged by the commercial sector covering the use in households or in industrial/large-scale processes and treatments.

Figure 1.

Number of patents for clinoptilolite (CLI) and mordenite (MOR), (The last ten years) [15].

Advertisement

2. Properties of natural zeolites

The structure of natural zeolite is very interesting and complex. The primary building units (PBU) of zeolites are the SiO4 and AlO4tetrahedra. They connect via oxygen ions into secondary building units (SBU), which are then linked into a three-dimensional crystalline structure of zeolite. Substitution of Si by Al defines the negative charge of the zeolite framework, which is compensated by alkaline and earth alkaline metal cations. Therefore natural zeolites appear as cation exchangers because they have negative charge on the surface. In the zeolite lattice, substitution is not limited to Si-Al substitution. Atoms of iron, boron, chromium, germanium, and titanium may also substitute silicon. Water molecules can be present in voids of large cavities and bonded to framework ions and exchangeable ions via aqueous bridges. One of the most investigated zeolite in basic and applied research is clinoptilolite. The characteristic way of linking of PBUs and the formation of unique structural units ultimately results in the fact that these materials are highly porous with channels and cavities in the structure that have characteristic pore sizes and shapes. In the structure of clinoptilolite, there are three types of channels, of which two are parallel, and made of ten and eight-membered rings of Si/AlO4, while one, defined by eight-membered rings, is vertical. In these channels the hydrated cations can occupy the following places: I - cation (Na- and Ca-ions) is located in the 10-member ring channels (free diameters 0.44 x 0.72 nm); II - cation (Na- and Ca-ions) is located in the 8-member ring channels (free diameters 0.41 x 0.47 nm); III - cation (K- ion) is located in the 8-member ring vertical channels (free diameters 0.40 x 0.55 nm); IV - cation (Mg-ion) is located in the channel of 10-member rings and it is located in the center of the channel (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Binding of building units (PBU and SBU) in three-dimensional zeolite- clinoptilolite structure.

Usually the number of water molecules in the zeolite structure does not exceed the number of oxygen atoms. Ratio (Si + Al): O is 1:2, and the number of aluminum atoms in the tetrahedrons is equal to the sum of the positive charges (x + 2y) of exchangeable cations. Replacement of silicon and aluminum atoms in zeolites ranges from a minimum ratio of 1:5 (mordenit), up to a maximum 1:1 (erionit) [16].

2.1. Categorization and characterization of natural zeolites

Natural zeolites are divided into seven main groups (Table 1) according to their crystal structure, based on morphology, their physically properties, different ways of binding secondary units in the three-dimensional framework, the free pore volume and types of exchangeable cations in zeolite structure. These diverse types of zeolite are a reflection of the fascinating structures of these microporous materials. Each time a new zeolite framework structure is reported, it is examined by the Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association (IZA-SC), and if it is found to be unique, it is assigned a 3-letter framework type code, like CLI, MOR, ANA etc. This code is part of the official IUPAC nomenclature for microporous materials [17]. Characterizations of natural zeolites include chemical and instrumental analyses of the samples and are crucial for their further application in water treatment. The chemical composition, usually determined by several different methods: classical chemical analysis – gravimetric method, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry or X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, is very important for the efficiency of the water treatment processes and provides insight into the main amount of basic oxide components (SiO2 and Al2O3), exchangeable cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Sr2+) and other elements present in smaller concentrations (like Ti atoms). According to the proportion of exchangeable cations, we can sometimes already determine the type of zeolite. The proportion of the oxide components in natural zeolite materials depends on the geological deposits. Table 2 gives the basic information of the chemical composition of natural zeolites, from different countries expressed as mass fraction of oxide components.

Table 1.

Categorization and structural properties of seven main groups of natural zeolites.

ZeoliteComponents, wt (%)
SiO2Al2O3Fe2O3Na2OK2OCaOMgOLOI*Ref.
Croatia (CLI)64,9313,392,072,401,302,001,089,63[18]
Serbia (CLI)65,6312,971,481,201,333,211,4112,96[19]
Australia (CLI)68,2612,991,370,644,112,090,838,87[20]
Mexican (CLI)70,1711,071,120,834,901,730,35-[21]
China (CLI)65,7213,501,301,163,143,100,6311,12[22]
Turkey (CLI)64,2812,070,845,620,832,472,07-[23]
Cuba (CLI)64,3011,001,41,401,203,700,50-[24]
Bulgaria (CLI)64,2011,671,032,363,847,420,358,66[25]
Greece (HEU)68,6211,800,071,132,922,140,7512,34[26]
Ukraine (CLI)68,6411,501,570,293,122,380,89-[27]
Equador (CLI)65,8011,323,424,100,451,230,9612,29[28]
Brazil (STI)68,7911,715,252,750,623,341,315,84[28]
Italia (PHI)52,4717,573,700,927,474,991,509,48[29]
Argentina (CLI)64,5111,250,973,601,214,380,6013.14[29]
USA (CLI)66.6112,911,70,392,443,181,5410,72[30]

Table 2.

Chemical composition of natural zeolites from different deposits.

Because of the complex mineralogical composition of natural zeolites and consequently uneven distribution of different phases and elements in the zeolite tuff, a combination of microscopic, spectroscopic, and other instrumental techniques must be used to fully characterize the material. The basic information about the accessibility of the pores for different ions and molecules can be obtained from BET Analysis based on nitrogen physisorption, which gives information about the BET surface and accessibility of the pores for different ions and molecules. The BET values usually range from 15 to 40 m2/g [19]. X-ray powder diffraction analysis allows quantitative determination of mineralogical composition of zeolitic tuffs, including the type of zeolite, and is crucial for any further application of natural zeolites. A typical X-ray powder diffractogram is shown on Figure 3. Detailed studies of some zeolite tuffs from Croatia and Serbia by powder X-ray diffraction and subsequent quantitative Rietveld refinement phase analyses are shown in Figure 4.

Figure 3.

The phase composition of zeolite tuffs from different deposits

Figure 4.

XRPD of natural zeolite [18].

The size and the morphology of the crystals in the zeolite samples is usually studied by scanning electron microscopy and accompanied Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS) analysis system, that is attached to the scanning electron microscope. The obvious advantage of EDXS elemental analysis over conventional chemical analysis is that we can obtain elemental composition of selected phase in the tuff, not only in the bulk sample. An average elemental composition of the sample using EDXS is usually obtained by a data collection at three or more different mm2- sized windows on the sample surface. Typical SEM photographs of zeolite tuffs are shown in the figure below (Figure 5).

Figure 5.

SEM of zeolite tuffs from DonjeJesenje (a), VranjskaBanja (b), Brus (c) and Strezovce (d). Magnification of app. 20.000x was used in the measurements. Beside the typical plate-like morphology of clinoptilolite crystals, some fiber-like particles of mordenite could be also observed in all four samples.

The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) analysis is used to determine the type and oxidation state of elements on the surface of natural zeolite by X-ray radiation from anode, e.g. Al anode, mostly by putting the sample in the form of 1 mm thick pressed pallet. XPS depth profiling can be performed by alternating cycles of ion sputtering to remove surface layers of zeolite and acquisition of photoelectron spectra (ion sputtering can be performed with 1 keVAr+ beam rastering over 3 x 3 mm2 area). In this way a depth distribution of elements can be obtained. The relative error for calculated concentrations of metals is estimated to be about 20%.

The X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is a particularly useful method for the characterization of metal-loaded zeolite samples. Information on the oxidation state of metals, like copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic and many others, in natural zeolites can be obtained by XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure). The energy position of the metal absorption edge is shifted to higher energies with increasing oxidation state. The relation can be calibrated with XANES spectra of reference compounds with the same type of metal ligands as in the investigated sample. More information on the local environment of metal atoms in the zeolite samples can be obtained by EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) analysis. The EXAFS spectra can be quantitatively analyzed for the coordination number, distance, and Debye- Waller factor of the nearest coordination shells of the metal.

Advertisement

3. Modifications of natural zeolite

Natural zeolite can be modified by single or combined treatment such as heating and chemical modification (acids, bases and inorganic salts). Chemical and thermal treatment of zeolite may result in cation migration and thus affect the cation location and pore opening. ”Pore engineering” is a popular term for methods used in zeolite modification in which some of its sorbent properties are manipulated. The processes of ion exchange and adsorption in zeolite/solution contact occur concurrently.

3.1. Modification with solution of inorganic salts

Chemical modification with inorganic salts (NaCl, CaCl2, BaCl2, NH4Cl, FeCl3) or a cationic surfactant(hexsadecyltri-methylammonium (HDTMA) - bromide) give to improve zeolite properties and increase its efficiency in water treatment [19, 31-38]. For successful modification high-concentration solutions of inorganic salts on the surface of zeolite is significant as shown in Figure 6. Under normal conditions, large cavities and entries to the channels inside the zeolite framework are filled with water molecules forming hydration spheres around exchangeable cationic (Figure 6-A). After the contactof zeolite with an inorganic salt solution such as NaCl, exchange of cations (H+ or Na+) from solution with exchangeable cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) from the zeolite framework occurs (Figure 6-B). To remove anions from the water, zeolite surface has to be modified with a solution of inorganic salts (for example FeCl3) whose adsorption on the zeolite surface leads to the formation of oxi-hydroxides, which then form stable complexes with anions in solution. This modification can result in – to a smaller or greater extent – the creation of an adsorption layer on zeolite surface and modification of surface charge on zeolite surface (from negative to positive) (Figure 6-C) [39,40]. Specific surface area (BET) of natural and modified zeolite (deposits from Croatia and Serbia) after pre-treatmentwith inorganic salts is shown in Table 3.

Figure 6.

Zeolite particles in natural and modified zeolites (Na and Fe forms of clinoptilolite from the deposit V. Banja, Serbia) and SEM image of zeolite surface after the implementation of chemical modification.

Zeolite BET
Specific surface area, m2/g
Ref.
Natural CLI (VB)24[8]
Natural CLI (DJ)16[8]
Ca-CLI (VB)20[19]
Na-CLI (VB)23[19]
H-CLI (0,5 M) (DJ)40[18]
H-CLI (1,0 M) (DJ)42[18]
NaOH-CLI (DJ)19[18]
NaFe-CLI (VB)91[8]
NaFe-CLI (DJ)51[8]
Natural MOR42[41]
HDTMA (0,25 mmol/g)-MOR 6[41]
HDTMA (0,85 mmol/g)-MOR5[41]

Table 3.

Specific surface area of natural and modified zeolites (clinoptilolite and mordenite) from Croatia (DJ) and Serbia (VB).

This confirms the theoretical study of the suitable position of Na+ ionsin zeolite structure and possibilities of zeolite exchange with metal ions from solutions. Na-modifications have shown the highest selectivity for zinc ions when Zn2+ ions are mixed together with Fe3+ ions, which is highly dependent on the acidity of the solution and cationhydratation enthalpy. Chemical modification of zeolite with FeCl3 solutions is defined by the parameter system: pH solution, ionic strength of the solution, oxidation-reduction conditions, iron concentration and the type of salts used (chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, perchlorates, etc.). Fe2+ and Fe3+ ratio results in sorption of iron ions and iron oxi-hydroxides on the surface and in the pores of clinoptilolite. However, regardless of the portion of different iron forms present in zeolite structure, the common property of all iron modified zeolites is a high increase in sorption capacity for arsenic oxi-anions present in water solutions. According to literature data, two mechanisms of arsenic binding on the surface of iron oxi- hydroxide are: the mechanism of surface precipitation and the mechanism of surface complexation. Surface complexation mechanism can be monodentate, dominant at a low surface coverage of modified zeolite, or bidendate at higher surface coverage when iron forms complexes with arsenic [42-44].

3.2. Modification with acid/basic treatment

Zeolite structure and its chemical and physical properties can be modified with either inorganic basic (NaOH, Ca(OH)2) or acid solutions (HCl, HNO3). Acid treatment is among the most common and simple methods for zeolite modification. The effectiveness of acid treatment depends on the chemical composition, structure, mineral purity, and the working conditions. Dissolution of some amorphous materials that block the pores of natural zeolites is another consequence of acid modification. According to the Brønsted and Lewis theory, dissolution of natural zeolites in acid solution occurs as a result of the acidic/basic behaviour of the aluminosilicate structure in the presence of H+ or OH- ions in the solution. Brønsted and Lewis acidic/basic sites present in the zeolite framework are also responsible for their chemical behaviour in aqueous solutions. Interactions of natural high-silica zeolites (e.g. clinoptilolite, heulandite, mordenite, erionite and ferrierite) with acidic and basic aqueous media generally occurring at low dissolution rates and are adequately acid-resistant [26]. By the dealumination process, Al3+-ions can be progressively removed from the aluminosilicate structure. The reactions favour lower pH values and the AlOH2+ species formed are detached because of their high degree of surface protonation. Decationization (exchange of zeolite cations with H+ ions) is minimal in solutions with high cation concentrations but is also significantly dependent on the solution acidity and cationhydratationenthalpy [45]. Hydrochloric acid solution treatment leads to decationization (obtaining the so-called “hydrogen form” zeolites), dealuminization and sometimes destruction of the crystal lattice. The effect of hydrochloric acid on various zeolites varies. As an example, the HCl acid modification of the natural materials mordenite and erionite conducted under similar conditions led to weak decationization and almost no dealuminization of mordenite, while the extent of alkaline and alkaline earth metals uptake, as well as of aluminium uptake from erionite was more than 90 % [25]. Changes in the chemical composition and structure of zeolites as a result of the decationization and dealuminationsteps lead to changes of minerals properties. The nature of the mineral and the exchangeable cation content, as well as impurities, have a significant influence on acid modification of structurally identical natural zeolites. Zeolite/solution contact time, heating before and after modification, pre-treatment with water or other solutions, such as NH4Cl, influence the efficiency of modification as well. Low siliceous zeolites are unstable in the acid and their decationization is conducted by other methods. Ion exchange with more soluble ammonium salts (usually NH4Cl) is the initial stage, followed by heating of the samples rich in ammonium ions to eliminate ammonia and hydrogen. This method of decationization is also applied to highly siliceous zeolites. Influence of the concentration of modification solution and the reaction time are also taken into consideration.

Advertisement

4. Hydrothermal treatment of natural zeolite

Thermal treatment at high temperature, depending on the solid sample and temperature used can enhance pore volume by removing water molecules and organics from pore channels. Water present in cages and channels of the zeolite framework contributes 10 – 25 % to the total mass of zeolites. To enable efficient use of zeolites in water treatment, it is important to know the properties of dehydration and structural stability of particular zeolitic materials. Stability in the structure of some natural zeolites is given in Table 4.

To acquire information about the mass loss change and adsorption or crystallization, thermal analysis methods are used: thermogravimetric /differential thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). A stable zeolite structure, such as clinoptilolite, results in continuing, but reversible loss of water. Thedehydration process of natural and modified zeolites and zeolite mass loss rate by increasing temperature are shown in Figure 7.

Natural zeoliteStructural stability
Analcimeup to 700 ºC
Laumontiteup to 500 ºC
Erioniteup to 750 ºC
Mordeniteup to 800 ºC
Heulanditeup to 300 ºC
Clinoptiloliteup to 750 ºC

Table 4.

Structural stability of some natural zeolites [16].

Figure 7.

Loss of mass for natural and Fe-modified and Na-modified zeolite by the DTG method.

Zeolite water can be removed by heating to approximately 400 °C.The hydration of iron modified zeolite was 17 % higher than that of Na-modified zeolite and natural zeolite.

Advertisement

5. Adsorption and ion exchange processes in water treatment

A large number of parameters can influence the process of ion sorption/removal from water treatment. Conductivity, pH, temperature of treated water, ionic strength, initial concentration of cations and anions in solution, zeolite mass, zeolite particle size are all important parameters.

5.1. Processes of ion exchange, adsorption and hydrolysis

Ion exchange process is characterized by the capacity, selectivity and kinetics of the exchange. Capacity is needed in several determinations, such as the normalization of equilibrium isotherms and the application of kinetic models in order to determine the ion-exchange diffusion coefficients (Table 5). Differences in the exchange isotherms derived by different researchers for the same ion-exchange systems are mainly due to the assumption of different cation-exchange capacities of zeolitic materials.

IUPAC recommendations for ion-exchange nomenclature define the following capacity types: “Theoretical (specific) capacity, apparent capacity (effective capacity)”, “Practical (specific) capacity”, “Useful capacity” and “Breakthrough capacity” [46].

ZeoliteSi/Al ratio*CEC,
meq/g zeolite
Analcime1,4 – 3,04,5
Chabasite1,4 – 4,33,7
Clinoptilolite2,7 – 5,72,2
Erionite2,3 – 3,43,1
Heulandite4,0 – 6,13,2
Laumontite1,3 – 3,34,3
Mordenite4,17 - 5,02,3
Phillipsite1,7 -3,33,9
Natrolite1,55,2

Table 5.

Cation-exchange capacities of different zeolitic materials (*CEC is operationally defined – determine the amount of a cation that can be removed by a specific substance once the material and solution have come to equal) [16].

Zeolites selectivity related to cations and anions is an important property in water treatment procedure. Selectivity is a property of the exchanger to show different preferences for particular ions and it depends of field strength in zeolite pore. Zeolites with low field strength and with higher Si content, such as clinoptilolite, are more selective for cations with lower charge density (K+, NH4+, Ag+, Cs+). Zeolites with high field strength, i.e. higher Al content, are more selective toward the high charge density cations(Na+, Li+). At room temperature and low concentration of the solution ions are exchanged, the advantages of the amendment have ions with higher charge. Increasing the concentration of the solution, the difference in ion exchange affinities of different charges is reduced. If the solution contains different ions of the same charge, the selectivity increases with increasing atomic number (Li+, Na+, NH4 +, K+). The selectivity of clinoptilolite towards alkali metals exist in the sequence: Cs+> K+>Rb+> Na+> Li+, and the alkaline earth metals: Ba2+> Sr2+> Ca2+> Mg2+. The selectivity of clinoptilolite towards heavy metal ions (cations) exist in the series: Pb2+> Cd2+> Cu2+> Co2 +> Cr2 +> Zn2 +> Mn2 +> Hg2 + and selectivity by anions exists in the series: SO42-> I-> NO3-> HCrO4-> Br->Cl-> OH-[47,48]

The processes of ion exchange and adsorption on natural zeolite occur concurrently with the process of hydrolysis in aqueous solutions. Determination of hydrolytic activity and stability of zeolites according to previous studies showed a very important aspect of technological applications, and hydrolytic activity indicates the chemical stability.

The hydrolysis process (1) is a reaction following the process of ion exchange. Understanding and studying zeolite hydrolysis is of great importance to understanding the properties of zeolite. The hydrolysis process of zeolite is usually observed by monitoring the pH levels and electric conductivity during which a sudden increase in the pH value can be seen at beginning of the hydrolysis process after which the zeolite-water system tends to stabilize the pH value.

MeZ (s) + H2O(l)HZ(s) + Men+(l)+ n OH(l)E1

n – cation charge, Me – exchangeable cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+,Mg2+), Z – zeolite

The created OH- ions cause an increase in the pH value of the system. A reaction of the metallic ions occurs at the same time (2).

Men+(ls) + H2O (l)[MeOH]+(l)+ H+(l)E2

Increase in the concentration of OH- ions at the beginning of hydrolysis causes thus created OH- ions to adsorb onto the surface of zeolitic particles, which in turn causes melting of the surface layer of zeolitic particles. Anions on the zeolite surface form with exchangeable cations more or less stable complexes, depending on the stability constant (3).

Men+(l)+mAy(l)(MeAm)nmy(l)E3

Hydrolysed cations in the channels have good mobility and ability to exchange with the cations from the solution because they are connected by weak electrostatic bonds to the basic aluminium-silicate structure. The rate of exchange and the quantity of exchangeable ions depend on the size of cations and their charge, cation concentration in the solution, ionic strength of the solution, anions present in the solution, temperature, pH value, physical and chemical properties of the solvent, structural characteristics of zeolite and exchange kinetics. Exchange of ions is preceded by the adsorption of ions from the solution to the surface of zeolite particles. Ion exchange (4) is a reversible process where a balance between the solid and fluid phases is achieved. During the process of achieving balance within the zeolite–solution system, a reversible process occurs.

Me1Z (s) + Me2n+(l)Me2Z (s) + Me1n+(l)E4

Me1Z and Me2Z - concentrations of exchangeable cations Me1 and Me2 in zeolite Z

Me2n+ and Me1n+ - concentrations of exchangeable cations in the solution

n - the charge number of exchangeable cations

The process of diffusion in the system of zeolite/ aqueous solution can be divided into several phases (Figure 8): (I) Diffusion in solution, (II) Diffusion through the film, (III) Diffusion in pores, (IV) Ion exchange.

It is known that the rate of a multistep chemical reaction is defined by the slowest stage. The rate of these processes can be changed by altering the physical characteristics of the heat exchanger or the solution containing the ions. Thus the rate of diffusion of ions in the film

Figure 8.

Diffusion processes in the system of zeolite/aqueous solution.

can be increased by intensive mixing of the solution, with increasing solution temperature and concentration. Rate of diffusion through macro and micro pores can be increased by reducing the grain size and concentration of the solution. It is therefore necessary to assess the degree of the ion-exchanging process, which is important for the overall process of ion exchange and hence affects its rate [50].

5.2. Adsorption isotherms

The equilibrium distribution of metal ions between the natural or modified zeolites and the solution is important in determining the maximum sorption capacity. Several isotherm models (Table 6) are available to describe the equilibrium sorption distribution. In most studies the following two models, Langmuir and Freundlich models, were used [51].

The Langmuir isotherm:

qc=KLCe1+QmaxCeE5
Linear formTransformedSlopeIntercept
X-values Y-values
Ceqe=1QmaxKL+CeQmaxCeCe/qeQmax/KL1/KL

where qeis metal concentration on the zeolite at equilibrium (mg of metal ion/g of zeolite); Qmax (mg/g) and KL(1/mg) are Langmuir constants related to the maximum adsorption capacity corresponding to complete coverage of available adsorption sites and a measure of adsorption energy (equilibrium adsorption constant) respectively. These constants are found from the slope and intercept of ce/qevs. celinear plot so that Qmax = 1/slope and KL= slope/intercept.

The Freundlich isotherm:

qe= KFCe1/nE6
Linear formTransformedSlopeIntercept
X-values Y-values
lnqe=lnKF+ 1nlnCeln(Ce) ln(qe)1/nln(KF)

Isotherm modelsEquilibriumRef.
Sips[52]
Langmuir-Freundlich[53]
Temkin[54]
Toth[55]
Redlich-Peterson[56]
Dubinin-Radushkevich[57]

Table 6.

Other important isotherms models are used to describe the equilibrium sorption distribution.

Gibbs free energy of sorption

The apparent Gibbs free energy of sorption (ΔG0) is the fundamental criterion of spontaneity. Reaction occurs spontaneously at a given temperature if ΔG0 is negative. The standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔG0) for the adsorption of ions by natural or modified zeolite can be calculated using the following thermodynamic equation (7):

ΔG0=RT lnKE7

whereT is the absolute temperature and R is the gas constant (8.314 J/molK) [44].

Table 7 shows the calculated values of Gibbs free energy for several different ions adsorbed to natural and modified zeolites

Natural zeoliteIonsΔG0Ref.
CLIFe3+-16.98[51]
Modified CLIAs (V)-18,14[58]
CLINH4+-19,52[59]
Modified CLICu2+-29,3[60]
CLIPb2+-6,86[61]
Modified CLIMn2+-9,8[62]

Table 7.

Gibbs free energy of sorption (ΔGº) different metal ions.

The negative sign for ΔG0 is indicative of the spontaneous nature of metal ions adsorption on the natural zeolite at certain temperatures.

Kinetics. of the adsorption process

The kinetic results obtained from experiments can be analyzed using different kinetic models such as Lagergen pseudo first-order (8) and pseudo second-order models (9). Lagergen pseudo first-order model is given by:

ln(qeqt) = lnqe k1,adstE8

whereqtis metal concentration adsorbed on natural zeolite at any time (mg of metal ions/g of zeolite) and k1 is the adsorption rate constant (min–1). A linear plot of ln (qeqt) against t gives the slope= k1 and intercept = lnqe.

The equation that describes the pseudo-second order model is given in the following linear form:

t/q1= 1/k2,adsqe2+ t/qeE9

wherek2 is the adsorption rate constant (g/mgmin). K2 and qeare found from the intercept and slop of t/qtvs. t linear plot so that qe = 1/slope and k2= slope2/intercept.

The degree of goodness of the linear plot of these kinetic models can be judged from the value of the coefficient of determination of the plot, which can also be regarded as the criterion in the determination of adequacy of a kinetic model [51,63-64].

Advertisement

6. Application efficiency of natural zeolite in water treatment

Wastewaters obtained from processes of many industries contain pollutants (inorganic cations, anions, oils, organic matter, etc.) have a toxic effect on the ecosystem. It is necessary to treat the metal contaminated wastewater prior to discharge into the environment and the removal of these pollutants requires economically justifiable and efficient technologies and techniques [4].

Natural zeolitesin wastewater treatmentare quiteeffective in comparisonwith other methods. The conditionsof purification process are very important for wastewater treatment. Thus possible regeneration of thezeolite, re-use of the zeolite and re-use of the obtainedconcentratemetalions after regeneration of the zeolite, verypositivelyimpacton the environmentwithout creatingnewwaste. Table8shows theefficiency of the removalof metalcations fromwastewaterusing naturalzeolitewhich is supplementedwith otherphysical andchemical methods. The efficiencyof removingmetalionsfrom wastewatersdependson many factorssuch asinitial concentrationof metalionsin wastewater, the pH value of the system, the possibility of formation ofmetalhydroxylanion, previouschemical andthermalmodificationof zeoliteand the amountof water thatshould bepurified. Besides the already mentioned properties (selectivity, capacity, etc.) natural zeolites have excellent resistance to chemical, biological, mechanical or thermal changes.

Table 8.

Comparison of the efficiency removal metal ions from waste water using standard techniques and natural zeolites.

6.1. Procedures for removing contaminants from water using natural zeolite

Two standard procedures are usually applied to remove contaminants from water using zeolites: batch and column procedures. Before any practical ion exchange application, some specific studies of representative zeolite samples from the deposit for its exploitation potential should be carried out. The cation exchange capacity of the zeolite is distinctly dependent on its original cationic composition, because not all the cationic sites in the zeolite structure are available for cation exchange [48]. Removal efficiency of ions from water solution increases with higher portion of the main component of natural zeolite.

6.1.1. “Batch” process

In the batch process a certain amount of natural or modified zeolites is used, which are placed in contact with a solution of synthetic or real samples of water at certain times. Bach procedure is usually carried out at constant temperature and hydrodynamic conditions. The amount of immobilized ions on the zeolite is presented as equilibrium distribution of ions between the natural or modified zeolites and the solution.

The removal efficiency of metal ions by natural zeolite depends on the quantity and exchange capacity as well as the presence of other cations and anions in the treated water. With increasing concentration of metal ions in water the removal efficiency increases of theseionsusing naturalzeolite(from 500 mg/L to 1 g/L). Natural and modified zeolites are efficient at low concentrations of different metal ions like Zn2+ (concentration from 1 to 5 mg/L) and Fe3+ (concentrations from 0.2 to 2.0 mg/L) about 50-60%. In many studies revealed the values of the maximum capacity adsorption, Qmax for metal ions removal from synthetic and real water. On Figure 9 Qmax values on cations uptake from water by natural zeolites from different deposits are summarized [76].

Figure 9.

The uptake of some cations from water solution by natural zeolites from different deposits

Chemical pretreatment of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) increases the removal efficiency of cations from water. The increase (in %) in the removal efficiency for different cations by modified zeolite compared to the natural zeolite is shown in Table 9 [76].

Table 9.

Effect of chemical pretreatment on the removal efficiency of cations by natural zeolite – clinoptilolite.

Forefficientwater treatment an importantproperty of natural zeoliteis regenerationthroughcyclicprocessesand theirre-use. Recent studies of desorption efficiency of metal ions and regeneration natural zeolite - clinoptilolite are presented in Table 10 and indicate that the process is reversible in most cases [77].

Metal ionDesorbing solutionDesorption efficiency , %
Pb2+3 M KCl"/> 99,5
0,5 M NaCl95
Zn2+0,34 NaCl24
5 g/L EDTA29
Cd2+1 M KNO392
1 M NaCl97
Cu2+0,34 NaCl20
5 g/L EDTA60
Ni2+0,1 M HCl93

Table 10.

Desorption efficiency of metal ions and regeneration natural zeolite-clinoptilolite.

Sorption of ions on to iron modified natural zeolite depends on the success of chemical modification and creation of iron hydroxide on its surface. Effect of solution pH and initial concentration of arsenic ions in water are very important for removal efficiency of arsenic ions [7, 44]. The sorption efficiency of arsenic ions on to iron modified zeolite (Serbia) decreases in the order: Pb (II)> As (V)>Mn (II)> As (III) ≥ Cr (VI) (Figure 10 (left). With increasing initial concentration of As (V) ions removal efficiency of As (V) ions decreases continuously with the use of natural zeolites from deposit D.Jesenje (Croatia) and V. Banja (Serbia). Also, at higher initial concentration of arsenic ions (300 mg/L) removal efficiency of As (V) ions is 30% lower for natural zeolite (Croatia) in relation to the natural zeolite (Serbia) (Figure 10 (right)).

Figure 10.

Sorption efficienty of ions on to iron modified zeolite – clinoptilolite

On the other hand, several anions (e.g. acetate, chloride, nitrate, phosphate or sulphate) have been witnessed as interfering with arsenate sorption.For arsenic ions binding on iron modified zeolite, the process was irreversible, i.e. stable complexes of arsenic and iron occurred, which is very important for permanent removal of arsenic ions from water solutions.

Ammonium is one of the main pollutants contained in municipal sewage, fertiliser factory wastewater and agricultural wastes. Although non-toxic, it is dangerous for the environment being one of the main causes of eutrophication. Cation-exchange has been identified as the NH4 +sorption mechanism with operating CEC values comprised from 0.1 to 2.3 meq/g (from 1.8 to 41.4 mg/g). Specifically, the highest values have been registered for sodium-exchanged clinoptilolite. Some studies have shown that ammonium ions bind on the zeolite framework through the combination of two parallel processes: ion exchange and adsorption. Zeolite modification by NH4+ ions is established by increasing ammonium ion concentrations and is determined by cation exchange capacity and concentrations of metal ions released from zeolite structure. Na+ ion is most rapidly exchanged with ammonium ions from water solutions. Total CEC of zeolite was found to be up to 13 mg NH4+/g zeolite (deposit D. Jesenje, Croatia). Chemical treatment of natural zeolite with different concentrations of HCl has a significant influence on ammonium ion removal from solutions. Namely, the higher the acid concentration with which zeolite is treated, the weaker is the exchange capacity for NH4+ ions (Figure 11) [78].

Anions as well as in-dissociated or poorly dissociated compounds, both inorganic and organic (e.g. cyanide, flouride, borate, hydrocarbon derivatives) are noxious contaminants present in water mainly as a consequence of chemical-intensive industry or are of natural origin. Two main modifications have been noticed to make zeolites effective also for sorption of these species: i) metal doping and ii) treatment with cationic organic surfactants.

Figure 11.

Removal of NH4+ -ion from solution using chemicaly treated natural zeolite with different concentrations of HCl.

In spite of that, clinoptilolite mineral as such has been surprisingly reported as sorbent for the removal of naturally occurring fluoride from well water Fluoride removal efficiency higher than 50 % (from 2 to 6 mg/L initial fluoride concentration) has been claimed. Metal doping (e.g. addition of oxides of lanthanides, aluminium or zirconium) has been cited as a possible way to improve natural zeolite removal efficiency. Two mechanisms have been inferred for fluoride sorption: hydroxide/fluoride exchange (due to steric and electrostatic similarities between these anions) [61] and fluoride occlusion [79].

6.1.2. Column process

In the column process there are several aspects that affect the dynamics of the cation uptake by zeolite, such factors are mainly solution (temperature, pH, the flow rate, the initial cation concentration being removed by zeolite, the pretreatment solution, the presence of other competing ions in the solution, characteristics of the heavy metal being removed by the zeolite) and solid specific factors (particle size, surface dust, impurities found in the zeolite sample, the pretreatment procedure type applied to the zeolite). Results of examinations in the column procedure are presented by breakthrough curves [80,81]. In Table 11 shown the removal efficiency of cations from different polluted water in column process.


Table 11.

The removal efficiency of cations in column process (*QB - breakthrough capacity)

Two examples from the Eastern Croatia show a successful application of research results at a pilot plant for potable water. The ground water from the Valpovo region was previously treated by aeration and sand filtration for the removal of iron, manganese, ammonium and other present pollutants. The physical and chemical parameters of the ground water and ammonium concentration were determined in the ground water after the pre-treatment. The ammonium sorption efficiency of 100% was obtained after 10 to 90 h with the use of MNZ–SRB, but it was sharply decreased after 70 h with use of NZ-CRO or MNZ–CRO (Figure 12).

Figure 12.

Scheme of drinking water production plant (A) and pilot plant “filter guards” (B) (NZ-, MNZ-CRO natural and modified zeolite from Croatia; NZ-, MNZ-SRB natural and modified zeolite from Serbia) [102].

Natural zeolite modification was carried out by applying a manganese dioxide layer, which is a technologically protected/patented procedure. Obtained results have shown that the removal efficiency of iron ions from drinking water can be increased by about 90 % by using modified zeolite.

The MnO2-modified clinoptilolite (New Mexico, USA) appears to be a promising adsorbent for removing trace arsenic amounts from water. The removal efficiency obtained with the modified zeolite was doubled as compared to that obtained with the unmodified zeolite [30].

Advertisement

7. Conclusions

The unique ion exchange and adsorption properties, high porosity and excellent thermal stability of zeolites make them very suitable for many applications, also in water treatment processes. Many different studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing the concentrations of contaminants (heavy metals, anions and organic matter) in water. The complexity of aquatic systems demands special attention in the selection and preparation of materials for water purification. The chemical behavior of natural zeolites in different aqueous environments, which was also a subject of recent geochemical and technological studies, additionally proved their applicability, although monitoring of pH and its changes, remains very important for their use of real environments. Namely, zeolites can interact with hydrogen or hydroxyl ions present in solutions and, as a consequence, certain physicochemical phenomena such as hydrolysis of solids, degradation, dissolution and even phase transformations can occur. All these phenomena again depend on the structural characteristics and the chemical composition of the used zeolite. Nowadays, modified natural zeolites are increasingly used also for biological treatment of water, precisely for surface binding of biological agents from water. Further research should be focused on the optimization of the surface modification procedures to raise their efficiency and to enhance the capability of regeneration. Furthermore, detailed characterization of natural and modified zeolites is needed to better understand the structure-property relationship. To open up new possibilities for their application, the possible further uses of used zeolites as well as the behavior of zeolites at extreme conditions, also at low temperatures, should be examined.

Advertisement

Acknowledgment

The work described in the chapter was partly supported by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia through the research project 125-1253092-3004, by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia through the bilateral project (Croatia-Slovenia) “Natural zeolite in water nanotechnology”, by the Slovenian Research Agency research program P1-0021, and by the EUREKA E!4208 project “PUREWATER”. The financial support from the founding agencies as well as the scientific contribution of researchers involved in the projects is greatly acknowledged.

References

  1. 1. CaputoDPepeF2007Experiments and data processing of ion exchange equilibria involving Italian natural zeolites: a reviewMicropor.Mesopor.Mater. 105222231
  2. 2. MisaelidesP2011Application of natural zeolites in environmental remediation: A short reviewMicropor.Mesopor.Mater. 1441518
  3. 3. FuFWangQ2011Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters: A reviewJ.Environ.Manage.92407418
  4. 4. WangSPengY2010Natural zeolites as effective adsorbents in water and wastewater treatmentChem. Engin.J. 1561124
  5. 5. MoussaviaGTalebiSFarrokhiMSaboutiR. M2011The investigation of mechanism, kinetic and isotherm of ammonia and humic acid co-adsorption onto natural zeolite. Chem. Engin.J. 17111591169
  6. 6. InglezakisV. JDoulaM. KAggelatouVZorpasA. A2010Removal of iron and manganese from underground water by use of natural minerals in batch mode treatmentDesalin. Water Treat. 18341346
  7. 7. DoulaM. K2009Simultaneous removal of Cu, Mn and Zn from drinking water with the use of clinoptilolite and its Fe-modified formWater Res.43:15:3659 EOF3672 EOF
  8. 8. LiZJeanJ. SJiangW. TChangP. HChenC. JLiaoL2011Removal of arsenic from water using Fe-exchanged natural zeoliteJ.Hazard. Mater. 187318323
  9. 9. Habuda-stanicMKalajdžicBKulešMVelicN2008Arsenite and arsenate sorption by hydrous ferric oxide/polymeric material. Desalination 22919
  10. 10. DoulaM. KDimirkouA2008Use of an iron-overexchanged clinoptilolite for the removal of Cu2+ ions from heavily contaminated drinking water samples. J.Hazard.Mater. 151:2-3:738 EOF745 EOF
  11. 11. MohapatraMAnandSMishraB. KGilesD. ESinghP2009Review of fluoride removal from drinking water. J.Environ.Manage. 916777
  12. 12. BhatnagarASillanpaaM2011A review of emerging adsorbents for nitrate removal from waterChem. Engin. J. 168493504
  13. 13. WidiastutiNWuHMing Ang H, Zhang D (2011Removal of ammonium from grey water using natural zeolite, Desalination 2771523
  14. 14. WidiastutiNWuHMing Ang H, Zhang D (2008The potential application of natural zeolite for greywater treatmentDesalination218271280
  15. 15. MargetaKVojnovicBZabukovec Logar N (2011Development of natural zeolites for their use in water-treatment systems. Recent patents of nanotech. 5:2:89-99.
  16. 16. BreckD. W1974Zeolite molekular sieves, John.Wiley&Sons, New York
  17. 17. Baerlocher ChMcCusker LB, Olson DH (2007Atlas of Zeolite Framwork, Sixth Revised Edition, Elsavier, Netherlands.
  18. 18. FarkašARožicMBarbaric-mikocevicŽ2005Ammonium exchange in leakage waters of waste dumps using natural zeolite from the Krapina region, Croatia. J.Hazard.Mater. 117:1:25-33.
  19. 19. ŠCerjan-stefanovicNZabukovecLogarKMargeta, N. Novak Tušar, I. Arčon; K. Maver, J. Kovač, V. Kaučič (2007Structural investigation of Zn2+ sorption on clinoptilolite tuff from the Vranjska Banja deposit in Serbia. Micropor. Mesopor.Mater. 105:3:251-259.
  20. 20. WangSZhubZ. H2006Characterisation and environmental application of an Australian natural zeolite for basic dye removal from aqueous solutionJ.Hazard.Mater. 136946952
  21. 21. Davila-jimenezM. MElizalde-gonzalezM. PMattuschJMorgensternPPerez-cruzM. AReyes-ortegaYWennrichRYee-madeiraH2008In situ and ex situ study of the enhanced modification with iro of clinoptilolite-rich zeolitic tuff for arsenic sorption from aqueous solutions. J.Colloid.Interf.Sci. 322527536
  22. 22. LiangZNiJ2009Improving the ammonium ion uptake onto natural zeolite by using as integrated modification processJ.Hazard.Mater. 1665260
  23. 23. CoruhSSenelGNuri Ergun O (2010A comparison of the properties of natural clinoptilolites and their ion-exchange capacities for silver removalJ.Hazard.Mater. 180486492
  24. 24. FaríasTRuiz-salvadorA. RVelazcoLCharles de Ménorval L, Rivera A (2009Preparation of natural zeolitic supports for potential biomedical applications. Mater.Chem.Phy.118322328
  25. 25. AllenS. JIvanovaEKoumanovaB2009Adsorption of sulfur dioxide on chemically modified natural clinoptilolite. Acid modificationChem.Engin.J. 152389395
  26. 26. FilippidisAKantiranisN2007Experimental neutralization of lake and stream waters from N. Greece using domestic HEU-type rich natural zeolitic materialDesalination2134755
  27. 27. SprynskyMGolembiewskiRTrykowskiGBuszewskiB2010Heterogeneity and hierarchy of clinoptilolite porosity. J.Phy.Chem.Solids, 7112691277
  28. 28. CalvoBCanoiraLMoranteFMartínez-bediaJ. MVinagreCGarcía-gonzálezJ. EElsenJAlcantaraR2009Continuous elimination of Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, H+ and NH4+ from acidic waters by ionic exchange on natural zeolite. JHazard.Mater. 166:2-3:619 EOF27 EOF
  29. 29. RuggieriFMarínVGimenoDFernandez-turielJ. LGarcía-vallesMGutierrezL2008Application of zeolitic volcanic rocks for arsenic removal from waterEngineering Geology. 101:3-4: 245-250.
  30. 30. CamachoaL. MParrabR. RDenga Sh (2011Arsenic removal from groundwater by MnO2-modified natural clinoptilolite zeolite: Effects of pH and initial feed concentration. J.Hazard.Mater. 189286293
  31. 31. Kumar Jha VHayashi Sh (2009Modification on natural clinoptilolite zeolite for its NH4+ retention capacityJ.Hazard.Mater. 169:1-3:29 EOF35 EOF
  32. 32. OliveiraC. RRubioJ2007New basis for adsorption of ionic pollutants onto modified zeolitesMineral. Engin. 20:6:552 EOF558 EOF
  33. 33. OrtegaE. ACheeseman Ch, Knight J, Loizidou M (2000Properties of alkali-activated clinoptilolite. Cement.Concrete.Res. 30:10:1641-1646.
  34. 34. Dávila-jiménezM. MElizalde-gonzálezM. PMattuschJMorgensternPPérez-cruzM. AReyes-ortegaYWennrichRYee-madeiraH2008In situ and ex situ study of the enhanced modification with iron of clinoptilolite-rich zeolitic tuff for arsenic sorption from aqueous solutionsJ.Colloid.Interf. Sci. 322:2:527 EOF536 EOF
  35. 35. ŠiljegMCerjan Stefanović Š, Mazaj M, Novak Tušar N, Arčon I, Kovač J, Margeta K, Kaučič V, Zabukovec Logar N (2009Structure investigation of As(III)- and As(V)- species bound to Fe-modified clinoptilolite tuffs, Micropor. Mesopor.Mater. 118:1-3:408-415.
  36. 36. JeonC. SBaekKParkJ. KOhY. KLeeS. D2009Adsorption characteristics of As(V) on iron-coated zeolite. J.Hazard.Mater. 163:2-3:804-808.
  37. 37. ChutiaPKatoSKojimaTSatokawaS2009Adsorption of As(V) on surfactant-modified natural Zeolites. J.Hazard.Mater. 162:1:204-211.
  38. 38. LiZKirk Jones H, Zhang P, Bowman RS (2007Chromate transport through columns packed withsurfactant-modified zeolite/zero valent iron pellets. Chemosphere 6818611866
  39. 39. StefanakisA. IAkratosC. SGikasG. DTsihrintzisV. A2009Effluent quality improvement of two pilot-scale, horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands using natural zeolite. Micropor.Mesopor.Mater. 124:1-3:131 EOF143 EOF
  40. 40. BosinceanuRSulitanuN2008Synthesis and characterization of FeO(OH)/Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated in zeolite matrix, J. Optoelectron. Advanc. Mater. 1034823486
  41. 41. RožicMMiljanicS2011Sorption of HDTMA cations on Croatian natural mordenite tuff. J.Hazard.Mater. 185:1:423-429.
  42. 42. GrossalP. REickM. JSparksD. LGoldbergSAinsworthC. C1997Environ.Sci.Techol. 31321326
  43. 43. FenforfSEickM. JGrossalP. RSparksD. L1997Environ. Sci. Technol, 31315320
  44. 44. KragovicMDakovicASekulicŽTrgoMUgrinaMPericJGattaG. D2012Removal of lead from aqueous solution by using the natural and Fe(III) modified zeolite. Appl.Surf.Sci. 258:8:3667-3673.
  45. 45. RozicMCerjan-stefanovicŠKurajicaSMacefatMMargetaKFarkašA2005Decationization and dealumination of clinoptilolite tuff andammonium exchange on acid-modified tuff. J. Colloid Interf. Sci. 284:1:48-56.
  46. 46. InglezakisV. J2005The concept of “capacity” in zeolite ion-exchange systems.J.Colloid Interf. Sci. 2816879
  47. 47. ArmbrusterT2001Clinoptilolite-heulandite:applications and basic research. Stud.Surf.Sci.Cataly. 1351327
  48. 48. LangellaAPansiniMCappellettiPDe GennaroBDe GennaroMCColella2000N. HCuZn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ exchange for Na+ in sedimentary clinoptilolite,North Sardinia, Italy. Micropor. Mesopor.Mater. 37337343
  49. 49. CollelaC1996Ion Exchange Equilibria in Zeolite Materials. Mineral. Deposita 31:554.
  50. 50. HafezM. BNazmyA. FSalemFEldesokiM1978Fixation mechanism between zeolite and some radioactive elementsJ.Radioanal.Chem. 47115122
  51. 51. Al-anberaMAl-anberbZ. A2008Utilization of natural zeolite as ion-exchange and sorbent material in the removal of iron. Desalination 2257081
  52. 52. LinaJZhanYZhuZXingY2011Adsorption of tannic acid from aqueous solution onto surfactant-modified zeolite. J.Hazard.Mater. 193102111
  53. 53. Jiménez-cedilloM. JOlguínM. TFall Ch, Colín A (2011Adsorption capacity of iron- or iron-manganese-modified zeolite-rich tuffs for As(III) and As(V) water pollutants. Appl. Clay Sci. 54206216
  54. 54. PericJTrgoMVukojević Medvidović N (2004Removal of zinc, copper and lead bynatural zeolite-a comparison of adsorption isotherms. Water Res. 3818931899
  55. 55. YousefaR. IEl-EswedBAl-muhtasebcA. H2011Adsorption characteristics of natural zeolites as solid adsorbents for phenol removal from aqueous solutions: Kinetics, mechanism, and thermodynamics studies. Chem. Eng.J. 17111431149
  56. 56. NoroozifarMKhorasani-motlaghMFardP. A2009Cyanide uptake from wastewater by modified natrolite zeolite-iron oxyhydroxide system: Application of isotherm and kinetic modelsJ.Hazard.Mater. 16610601066
  57. 57. MisaelidesPZamboulisDSarridis Pr, Warchoł J, Godelitsas A (2008Chromium (VI) uptake bypolyhexamethylene-guanidine-modified natural zeolitic materials. Micropor.Mesopor.Mater. 108162167
  58. 58. ChutiaPKato Sh, Kojima T, Satokawa S (2009Adsorption of As(V) on surfactant-modified natural Zeolites.J.Hazard.Mater. 162204211
  59. 59. WidiastutiNWuHMing Ang H, Zhang D (2011Removal of ammonium from greywater using natural zeoliteDesalination 2771523
  60. 60. LinaJZhanYZhubZ2011Adsorption characteristics of copper (II) ions from aqueous solution onto humic acid-immobilized surfactant-modified zeolite. Colloids Surf. A: Physicoch. Eng. Aspect384:1-3:9-16.
  61. 61. KaratasM2012Removal of Pb(II) from water by natural zeolitic tuff: Kinetics and Thermodynamics. J.Hazard. Mater.199-200:383-389.
  62. 62. RajicNStojakovic Dj, Jevtić S, Zabukovec Logar N, Kovač J, Kaučič 2009Removal of aqueous manganese using the natural zeolitic tuff from the Vranjska Banja deposit in Serbia. J.Hazard.Mater. 172:1450-1457.
  63. 63. BaskanM. BPalaA2011Removal of arsenic from drinking water using modified natural zeoliteDesalination281396403
  64. 64. MalekianRAbedi-koupaiJSaeid Eslamian S, Farhad Mousavi S, Abbaspour KC, Afyuni M (2011Ion exchange process for ammonium removal and release using natural Iranian zeolite. Appl. Clay Sci. 51323329
  65. 65. KurniawanT. AChan GYS, Lo WH, Babel S (2006Physico-chemical treatment techniques for wastewater laden with heavy metalsChem.Engin.J. 1188398
  66. 66. FuFWangQ2011Removal of heavy metal ions from wastewaters: A reviewJ. Environ. Manage. 92407418
  67. 67. ChooK. HLeeHChoiS. J2005Iron and manganese removal and membrane fouling during UF in conjunction with prechlorination for drinking water treatmentJ.Memb.Sci. 2671826
  68. 68. Al-anberaMAl-anberbZ. A2008Utilization of natural zeolite as ion-exchange and sorbent material in the removal of iron. Desalination 2257081
  69. 69. CurkovicLCerjan Stefanović Š, Filipan T (1997Metal ion exchange by natural and modified zeolites. Water Res.31:6:1379-1382.
  70. 70. Leyva-ramosRJacobo-azuaraADiaz-floresP. EGuerrero-coronadoR. MMendoza-barronJBerber-mendozaM. S2008Adsorption of chromium (VI) from an aqueous solution on a surfactant-modified zeolite. Coll.Surf. A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects 3303541
  71. 71. WoinarskiaA. ZSnapebIStevensaG. WStarkbS. C2003The effects of cold temperature on copper ion exchange by natural zeolite for use in a permeable reactive barrier in Antarctica. Cold Reg. Sci.Technol. 37159168
  72. 72. RajicNStojaković Dj, Jovanović M, Zabukovec Logar N, Mazaj M, Kaučič 2010Removal of nickel(II) ions from aqueous solutions using the natural clinoptilolite and preparation of nano-NiO on the exhausted clinoptilolite. Appl. Surf. Sci. 257:1524-1532.
  73. 73. ShavandiM. AHaddadianZIsmail MHS, Abdullah N, Abidin ZZ (2012Removal of Fe(III), Mn(II) and Zn(II) from palm oil mill effluent (POME) by natural zeolite. J. Taiwan Ins.Chem. Engin. (in press).
  74. 74. Dal Bosco SMJimenez RS, Carvalho WA (2005Removal of toxic metals from wastewater by Brazilian natural scolecite.J.Coll.Interf.Sci. 281424431
  75. 75. ShetaA. SFalatahA. MAl-sewailemM. SKhaledE. MSallam ASH (2003Sorption characteristics of zinc and iron by natural zeolite and bentoniteMicropor.Mesopor.Mater. 61127136
  76. 76. TaffarelS. RRubioJ2009On the removal of Mn2+ ions by adsorption onto natural and activated Chilean zeolitesMineral. Engin. 22336343
  77. 77. KatsouEMalamisSTzanoudakiMHaralambousK. JLoizidouM2011Regeneration of natural zeolite polluted by lead and zinc in wastewater treatment systemsJ.Hazard.Mater. 189773786
  78. 78. FarkašARožicMBarbaric-mikocevicT2005Ammonium exchange in leakage waters dumps using natural zeolite from the Krapina region,Croatia, J.Hazard.Mater.117:1:25-33.
  79. 79. PeregoCBagatinRTagliabueMVignolaR2012Zeolites and Related Mesoporous Materials for Multi-talented Environmental SolutionsMicropor.Mesopor.Mater., doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2012.04.048Accepted Manuscript).
  80. 80. Vukojević Medvidović NPerić J, Trgo M (2006Column performance in lead removal from aqueous solution by fixed bed of natural zeolite-clinoptilolite. Sep. Purif. Tech. 49:3:237-244.
  81. 81. Vukojević Medvidović NPerić J, Trgo M, Mužek N (2007Removal of lead ions by fixed bed of clinoptilolite- The effect of flow rate. Micropor.Mesopor.Mater. 105:3:298-304.
  82. 82. MercerB. WAmesL. LTouhillC. JVan SlykeW. JDeanR. B1970Ammonia Removal from Secondary Effluents by Selective Ion ExchangeJ.Wat.Pollut.Contr.Fed. 42:20:95-107.
  83. 83. KoonJ. HKaufmannW. J1975Ammonia Removal from Municipal Wastewaters by Ion Exchange.J.Wat.Pollut.Contr.Fed. 47:3:448-465.
  84. 84. El AkramiH. A1991Column Studies of Ammonium Ion Exchange on Clinoptilolite, MS. Thesis, METU, Ankara.
  85. 85. AbusafaA1995Column Studies of Ammonium and Cesium Exchanges on Bigadic Clinoptilolite, MS. Thesis, METU, Ankara.
  86. 86. MilanZSénchezEWeilandPde Las Pozas C, Borja R, Mayari R, Rovirosa N (1997Ammonia Removal from Anaerobically Treated Piggery Manure by Ion Exchange in Columns Packed With Homoionic ZeoliteChem.Engin.J. 66:1:65 EOF
  87. 87. NguyenM. LTannerC. C1998Ammonium Removal from Wastewaters Using Natural New Zealand ZeolitesNew Zealand. J.Agri.Res. 41:3:427 EOF446 EOF
  88. 88. RobertoJHernándezSMAndrésJRuizC (2009Ion exchange uptake of ammonium in wastewater from a Sewage Treatment Plant by zeolitic materials from fly ashJ.Hazard.Mater.161:2-3:781 EOF
  89. 89. LahavOGreenM1998Ammonium removal using ionexchange and biological regeneration. Water Res. 3220192028
  90. 90. PetruzzelliDPaganoMTiravantiGPassinoR1999Lead Removal and Recovery from Battery Wastewaters by Natural Zeolite ClinoptiloliteSol.Extra.Ion Exchan.17:3:677 EOF694 EOF
  91. 91. Abd El-Hady HMGrünwald A, Vlčková K, Zeithammerová J (2001Clinoptilolite in Drinking Water Treatment for Ammonia Removal. ActaPolytech. 41;1;4145
  92. 92. DemirAGünayADebikE2002Ammonium Removal from Aqueous Solution by Using Packed Bed Natural Zeolite. Water SA, 2
  93. 93. InglezakisV. JLoizidouM. DGrigoropoulouH. P2002Equilibrium and Kinetic Ion Exchange Studies of Pb2+, Cr3+, Fe3+ and Cu2+ on Natural Clinoptilolite.Water Res. 36:11:2784 EOF92 EOF
  94. 94. ParkJ. BLeeS. HLeeJ. WLeeC. Y2002Lab Scale Experiments for Permeable Reactive Barriers against Contaminated Groundwater with Ammonium and Heavy Metals Using Clinoptilolite (0129B)J.Hazard.Mater. 95:1-2:65-79.
  95. 95. BolanN. SMowattCAdrianoD. CBlennerhassettJ. D2003Removal of Ammonium Ions from Fellmongery Effluent by ZeoliteCommuni. SoilSci. Plant Analy. 34:13-14:1861-1872.
  96. 96. TuranMCelikM. S2003Regenerability of Turkish Clinoptilolite for Use in Ammonia Removal from Drinking WaterJ.Water Sup. Res.Techn.- AQUA 52:10:59 EOF66 EOF
  97. 97. RahmaniA. RMahviA. HMesdaghiniaA. RNasseriN2004Investigation of Ammonia Removal from Polluted Waters by Clinoptilolite ZeoliteJ. Environ.Sci.Tech. 1:2:125-133.
  98. 98. SariogluM2005Removal of Ammonium from Municipal Wastewater Using Natural Turkish (Dogantepe) ZeoliteSep.Purific.Tech., 41111
  99. 99. Vukojević Medvidović NPerić J, Trgo M (2008Testing of Breakthrough Curves for Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Natural Zeolite-Clinoptilolite According to the Clark Kinetic Equation. Sep. Sci. Technol. 43:4:944-959.
  100. 100. PericJTrgoMVukojević Medvidović N, Nuić I (2009The Effect of Zeolite Fixed Bed Depth on Lead Removal from Aqueous Solutions. Sep. Sci.Technol. 44:13:3113-3127.
  101. 101. MiladinovicNWeatherleyL. R2007Intensification of Ammonia Removal in a Combined Ion-Exchange and Nitrification Column. Chem.Engin.J.135:1-20:15-24.
  102. 102. ŠiljegMFoglarLKukuckaM2010The Ground Water Ammonium Sorption onto Croatian and Serbian Clinoptilolite. J.Hazard.Mater. 178:1-3:572-577.
  103. 103. TaoY. FQiuYFangS. YLiuZ. YWangYZhuJ. H2010Trapping the Lead Ion in Multi-Components Aqueous Solution by Natural ClinoptiloliteJ.Hazard.Mater. 180:1-3:282 EOF288 EOF

Written By

Karmen Margeta, Nataša Zabukovec Logar, Mario Šiljeg and Anamarija Farkas

Published: 16 January 2013