Comparative studies between synthetic and natural zeolites for ammonium uptake

Abstract

Abstract Studies have been performed in order to obtain information related to the ammonia removal using natural zeolites, clinoptilolite, mordenite and ferrierite in their sodium forms as well as synthetic zeolite A in its sodium, potassium and calcium forms. Experimental results indicate that natural zeolites show higher selectivity for ammonium ions despite the much higher theoretical exchange capacity of zeolite A. Clinoptilolite of Greek origin shows the best performance regarding selectivity for the ammonium ion, ion exchange rate and quantities taken. This performance is very promising for the possible use of clinoptilolite for water and wastewater treatment.