Time dependent Zn 2+ and Pb 2+ removal with clinoptilolite and release of exchangeable ions
Discharge of heavymetalcontaining wastewaters into receiving water causes detrimental effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need to treat heavy metal containing wastewaters before discharging them into the environment.
Recently, natural zeolites have gained attention in wastewater treatment as appropriate materials for removing heavy metal ions due to their unique physical and chemical properties, their abundance in many deposits, and especially their local availability, combined with a recovery potential for both metals and the mineral. Natural zeolites, especially clinoptilolite, are abundant in the world. Turkey has very high reserves for clinoptilolite.
Therefore, investigation of the potential of this natural material in waste water treatment may lead to its establishment as a viable alternative to conventional heavy metal treatment technologies.
