A novel solid-phase extraction method for preconcentration of silver and antimicrobial properties of the Na-clinoptilolite–Ag composite

Abstract

Sorptive properties of the Na-modified Transcarpathian clinoptilolite towards Ag(I) were studied under dynamic conditions. The sorption capacity value of Na-clinoptilolite under the optimal conditions is 7.46 mg Ag per 1 g of zeolite. Silver was quantitatively removed from the solid-phase extraction column with 0.1 M RbNO3 solution. The solid-phase extraction procedure with Na-clinoptilolite was used to preconcentrate trace amounts of silver ions in aqueous solutions to be finally determined by the atomic absorption method. It was established that the Na-form of clinoptilolite exhibits insignificant antimicrobial effect against E. coli and S. aureus. The doping of this form of clinoptilolite with silver increases the ability of this composite to suppress the growth of E. coli and S. aureus.