This study investigates the sorption of heavy metallic ions (HMIs), specifically lead (Pb 2+), copper (Cu 2+), iron (Fe 3+), nickel (Ni 2+) and zinc (Zn 2+), by natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). These HMIs are combined in single-, dual-, triple-, and multi-component systems. The batch mode experiments consist of a total initial concentration of 10 meq/L normality for all systems, acidified to a pH of 2 by concentrated nitric (HNO 3) acid. A zeolite dosage of 4 g per 100 mL of synthetic nitrate salt aqueous solution is applied, for a contact period of 5 to 180 min. Existing kinetic models on HMIs sorption are limited for multi-component system combinations. Therefore, this study conducts kinetic analysis by both reaction and diffusion models, to quantify the sorption process. The study concludes that the process correlates best with the pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic model. In the multi-component system combining all five HMIs, the initial sorption rate and theoretical equilibrium capacity are determined as 0.0033 meq/g•min and 0.1159 meq/g, respectively. This provides significant insight into the mechanisms associated with the sorption process, as well as contributing to the assessment of natural zeolite as a sorbent material in its application in industrial wastewater treatment.

This study investigates the design and performance of a novel sorption system containing natural zeolite. The apparatus consists of packed, fixed-bed, dual-columns with custom automated controls and sampling chambers, connected in series and stock fed by a metering pump at a controlled adjustable distribution. The purpose of the system is to remove heavy metallic ions predominately found in acid mine drainage, including lead (Pb 2+ ), copper (Cu 2+ ), iron (Fe 3+ ), nickel (Ni 2+ ) and zinc (Zn 2+ ), combined in equal equivalence to form an acidified total 10 meq/L aqueous solution. Reported trends on the zeolite's preference to these heavy metallic ions is established in the system breakthrough curve, as Pb 2+ >> Fe 3+ > Cu 2+ > Zn 2+ >> Ni 2+ . Within a 3-h contact period, Pb 2+ is completely removed from both columns. Insufficient Ni 2+ removal is achieved by either column with the promptest breakthrough attained, as zeolite demonstrates the least affinity towards it; however, a 48.97% removal is observed in the cumulative collection at the completion of the analysis period. The empty bed contact times for the first and second columns are 20 and 30 min, respectively; indicating a higher bed capacity at breakthrough and a lower usage rate of the zeolite mineral in the second column. This sorption system experimentally demonstrates the potential for industrial wastewater treatment technology development.

Phosphorus significantly influences the eutrophication process, modifying the quality of waterways and habitat, especially in stagnant waterbodies exposed to septic tank effluent at high nutrient levels. This research explores the development of a cost-effective, efficient, and affordable on-site wastewater treatment system targeted as total phosphorus (TP) removal technology. The research objective is to demonstrate the TP removal efficiency of an optimized clay-zeolite medium by chemical adsorption. The study observes the effects of pellet medium design and modifications, influent concentrations, and contact time. Following various stages of optimization, the preliminary testing achieves a 45 ± 1.8% removal after 45 minutes of contact time. The optimized pellets are contained within a five-layer bench-scale model, achieving equilibrium TP removal of 72 ± 2.9% after 3 hours. Theoretical extrapolation to 12 contact hours indicates an achievement of 88% removal is possible. The results show a positive correlation with the linearized Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms.

This study investigates the effects of particle size (0.420-1.sorption process is performed in batch mode with a 100 mL aqueous solution, acidified to a pH level of 2 with concentrated nitric (HNO3) acid. For all experimental parameter conditions examined, the removal efficiency order follows: Pb 2+ >>Fe 3+ >Cu 2+ >Zn 2+ >Ni 2+ ; the zeolite mineral exhibits the greatest preference towards the Pb 2+ ion in all parameter trends. Overall, the removal efficiency is increased with decreasing particle size, as well as increasing dosage, contact time, and set-temperature. The operation is influenced by the studied parameters in the order of: influent concentration > heat pre-treatment level > dosage > particle size > contact time > set-temperature.

Phosphorus is a major factor in the eutrophication process, modifying water and habitat at high concentrations. This paper describes the development of a cost-effective, efficient, and affordable on-site Total Phosphorus (TP) removal technology. By investigating the chemical adsorption of a clay-zeolite media, the objective was to demonstrate TP removal capacity with a primary focus on pellet media design to overall removal efficiency. The investigation included pellet formation, size, conditioning, furnace exposure temperature and duration, as well as initial influent concentration (theoretical septic tank effluent range of 6-20 mg/L), with a response-contact time of 45 minutes. The research followed various stages of optimization and consisted of a scaled-down testing unit based on a 1.91 cm pellet diameter construction, for a 45 minute detention time, and achieved a removal of approximately 45%.