Characterization and environmental application of a Chilean natural zeolite

The use of natural zeolites for environmental applications is gaining new research interests mainly due to their properties and significant worldwide occurrence. The present work describes the characterization of a natural Chilean zeolite and the results as adsorbent for ammonia from aqueous solutions. The zeolitic-rich tuff sample, mainly composed of clinoptilolite and mordenite, consisted of 13 μm mean volumetric particle diameter, 55 m2 g−1 (methylene blue adsorption) and 177 m2 g−1 (nitrogen adsorption) of specific surface area. Particles were negatively charged over a broad pH range (with or without ammonia) and 1.02 meq NH4+ g−1 cation-exchange capacity. The ammonia removal appears to proceed through ion-exchange and rapid kinetics (rate constant of 0.3 min−1) at neutral pH value, with removal capacities up to 0.68 meq NH4+ g−1. The Langmuir isotherm model provided excellent equilibrium data fitting (R2=0.97). Results indicate a significant potential for the Chilean natural zeolite as an adsorbent/ion-exchange material for wastewater treatment and water reuse applications.