Abstract
The use of natural zeolites for environmental applications is gaining new research interests mainly due to their properties and significant worldwide occurrence. The present work describes the characterization of a natural Chilean zeolite and the results as adsorbent for ammonia from aqueous solutions. The zeolitic-rich tuff sample, mainly composed of clinoptilolite and mordenite, consisted of 13 μm mean volumetric particle diameter, 55 m 2 g −1 (methylene blue adsorption) and 177 m 2 g −1 (nitrogen adsorption) of specific surface area. Particles were negatively charged over a broad pH range (with or without ammonia) and 1.02 meq NH 4 + g −1 cation-exchange capacity. The ammonia removal appears to proceed through ion-exchange and rapid kinetics (rate constant of 0.3 min −1) at neutral pH value, with removal capacities up to 0.68 meq NH 4 + g −1. The Langmuir isotherm model provided excellent equilibrium data fitting ( R 2=0.97). Results indicate a significant potential for the Chilean natural zeolite as an adsorbent/ion-exchange material for wastewater treatment and water reuse applications.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
