Application of natural zeolite clinoptilolite for the removal of ammonia in wastewater

This work intends the characterization of the natural zeolite clinoptilolite and its capability in removing the ammonia in wastewater. The natural zeolite clinoptilolite was characterized using transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and zeta potential prior to the adsorption process. The results showed that the natural zeolite clinoptilolite possessed the lamellar and needle-like structure thus giving the highest surface area for effective adsorption. The main constituent of the element consisted of natural zeolite clinoptilolite is known to have a high affinity towards ammonia. Additionally, the zeta potential analysis has shown that natural zeolite clinoptilolite is negatively charged in all media pH with the highest negative potential of −30 mV recorded at pH 7 thus, contributing to the highly effective electrostatic interaction with the contaminants’ cations. Consequently, the excellent performance in removing ammonia of up to 82.97 % has revealed that the natural zeolite clinoptilolite has a great potential to be developed as a synergized adsorptive ceramic membrane that is combining the adsorption and the filtration of water simultaneously.