Characterization of Badinsk Zeolite and its Use for Removal of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Compounds from Wastewater

Abstract

The characterization of natural zeolite from Badinsk deposit was carried out by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The possibility of water purification from phosphates in dynamic conditions using of natural zeolite as a filtering bed was studied. The effect of the filtration rate of phosphates solution on purification efficiency is investigated. The mechanism of phosphates and ammonium removal with the participation of the zeolite is discussed: in case of phosphates it is the formation of insoluble compounds by reacting of calcium cations and phosphate anions; in case of ammonium ions it is ion exchange.