Kinetic Study of the Adsorption of Natural Organic Matter From Aqueous Solution by Surfactant Modified Zeolite

Abstract

The presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in raw water sources is unfavorable and has long been a problem for water supply industries. Natural zeolite is a low cost material that can be found in nature. Zeolite can be modifed and used for removal of NOM from aqueous solutions. Objectives: In this study, for the frst time, the efciency of modifed natural Iranian zeolite obtained from Semnan mines was investigated for removal of NOM from aqueous solution. Materials and Methods: In this study, batch studies were set up to evaluate the effects of initial pH, contact time and also the initial NOM concentrations on adsorption behavior. The effective initial pH values were in acidic ranges for adsorption of the NOM by surfactant modifed zeolite (SMZ). Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of NOM by SMZ was a gradual process. Results: The batch kinetics experiments showed that NOM adsorption by the adsorbents followed the pseudo-second order model. Results showed that the acidic pH is optimum for adsorption of NOM by SMZ. Conclusions: The fndings of this study show that natural zeolite modifed with sodium dodecyl sulfate, as a cationic surfactant, is a promising adsorbent for removal of NOM