Zero-valent iron nickel modified natural zeolite material: Characterization and environmental aspect of application – first results

Abstract

The aim of this study was preparation of one low cost and environmentally friendly material for wastewater treatment toward both inorganic and organic pollutants, based on natural zeolite from one of the largest zeolite deposits in Serbia (Zlatokop, Vranjska Banja). The idea was to integrate zero-valent bimetallic FeNi particles onto zeolite, based on liquid-phase reduction method. Obtained material zvFeNi@zVB showed good sorption properties with high removal efficiency under the investigated conditions toward inorganic (M(II) heavy metal ions Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn) and organic (dyes Reactive Blue 19 and Methylene Blue) pollutants. Compared with pure FeNi material, modified zeolite (zvFeNi@zVB) showed better sorption properties and “faster clean” water from evaluated pollutants.