Zeolite as a low-cost adsorbent for heavy metals uptake from contaminated water

Instead of using commercial activated carbon that is expensive, researchers have worked on low-cost materials, such as zeolite, chitosan, and other adsorbents, which have high adsorption capacity and are locally available. In this article, technical feasibility of zeolite mineral, that has a mine in East Azarbayjan, Iran, for heavy metal removal from contaminated water has been studied. The results of its removal performance are compared to that of activated carbon and are presented in this study. It is evident from literature review that zeolite has high adsorption capacity for certain metal ions as compared to activated carbon. Zeolite can remove 175 and 137 mg/g of Pb+2 and Cd+2, respectively from contaminated water. This adsorbent is suitable for inorganic effluent treatment containing Cd and Pb. It is important to note that the adsorption capacity of zeolite vary, depending on the characteristics of the individual adsorbent, extend of chemical modification, and the concentration of adsorbent.

کلیدواژه ها:

Contaminated Water ، Zeolite ، Activated Carbon ، Heavy Metal Removal