Adsorption Properties of Natural and Synthetic Zeolites for Ammonium and Phosphate Removal from Wastewater

Abstract:

Water resources are crucial in any region's overall natural resource complex. This research focuses on addressing these pollution issues through water treatment processes. The primary objective of this study was to examine the adsorption of phosphates using both natural and synthetic adsorbents, particularly aluminosilicates. Under static and dynamic conditions, the research assessed the sorption characteristics of natural zeolite, specifically clinoptilolite obtained from the Sokyrnytsia mineral deposits. Results indicated that the adsorption of phosphates is more effective in acidic environments. It was observed that clinoptilolite exhibits a higher adsorption capacity for unsubstituted phosphates, which diminishes when alkali metal ions replace orthophosphoric acid. Additionally, the study highlighted the significant influence of pH levels on the sorption properties of clinoptilolite, especially about P₂O₅. The kinetic coefficients of the adsorption process were determined using experimental data and theoretical frameworks. Furthermore, mathematical modelling was employed to describe the adsorption dynamics of the active components by granular sorbents, effectively capturing the transient nature of diffusive-kinetic processes in complex, multicomponent systems. This research deepens our understanding of phosphate adsorption mechanisms. It provides valuable insights into optimising water treatment strategies using natural adsorbents, which could play a critical role in mitigating the effects of water pollution in the region. Zeolites derived from fly ash produced by the Dobrotvir thermal power plant have been synthesised and modified to enhance their properties. This study focuses on the characteristics of these zeolites, with a particular emphasis on thermogravimetric analysis, to understand their stability and performance under varying conditions. The adsorption capabilities of the natural zeolite were tested against common pollutants found in wastewater from meat-processing plants, specifically targeting ammonium and phosphate contaminants. Experimental data allowed for determining equilibrium adsorption capacities and corresponding isotherms were constructed at a standard temperature of 20°C. The results indicate that zeolite adsorbs phosphates more effectively than ammonia nitrogen. Further analysis revealed that clinoptilolite's adsorption capacity is higher when interacting with single-component systems but decreases when it simultaneously adsorbs two different substances from the solution. This decrease suggests competitive adsorption dynamics when multiple contaminants are present. Given the finite availability of natural zeolite resources, this research highlights the importance of synthesising synthetic zeolites as a sustainable alternative.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 162)
• Pages: 21-30
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-p0HFsD
• Online since: April 2025
• Authors: Vira Sabadash*, Oleh Konovalov, Anna Nowik-Zajac, Iwona Zawierucha
• Keywords: Adsorption, Ammonium, Desorption, Equilibrium, Fly Ash, Ion Exchange, Phosphates, Wastewaters, Zeolite

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