Abstract
Zeolite-based technology can provide a cost effective solution for stormwater treatment for the removal of toxic heavy metals under increasing demand of safe water from alternative sources. This paper reviews the currently available knowledge relating to the effect of properties of zeolites such as pore size, surface area and Si:Al ratio and the physico-chemical conditions of the system such as pH, temperature, initial metal concentration and zeolite concentration on heavy metal removal performance. The primary aims are, to consolidate available knowledge and identify knowledge gaps. It was established that an in-depth understanding of operational issues such as, diffusion of metal ions into the zeolite pore structure, pore clogging, zeolite surface coverage by particulates in stormwater as well as the effect of pH on stormwater quality in the presence of zeolites is essential for developing a zeolite-based technology for the treatment of polluted stormwater. The optimum zeolite concentration to treat typical volumes of stormwater and initial heavy metal concentrations in stormwater should also be considered as operational issues in this regard. Additionally, leaching of aluminium and sodium ions from the zeolite structure to solution were identified as key issues requiring further research in the effort to develop cost effective solutions for the removal of heavy metals from stormwater.
Highlights
Access to safe drinking water has been declared as a basic human right by the United Nations [1]
This paper reviews the currently available knowledge relating to the effect of properties of zeolites such as pore size, surface area and Si:Al ratio and the physico-chemical conditions of the system such as pH, temperature, initial metal concentration and zeolite concentration on heavy metal removal performance
Leaching of aluminium and sodium ions from the zeolite structure to solution were identified as key issues requiring further research in the effort to develop cost effective solutions for the removal of heavy metals from stormwater
Summary
Access to safe drinking water has been declared as a basic human right by the United Nations [1]. The performance of zeolites in the removal of heavy metals has been widely discussed in research literature and conclusions vary widely in relation to their treatment performance [28,29]. This can be primarily attributed to the differing experimental conditions and the properties of zeolite used in these studies. This emphasises the fact that an in-depth knowledge on the influence of physical and chemical factors on the performance of zeolite is essential for the development of approaches for the removal of heavy metals from polluted stormwater. With the view to highlighting the key issues in removing heavy metals from stormwater, the structure of zeolite and the influence of the properties of zeolite and experimental conditions are discussed
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