Application of natural zeolites on wastewater treatment

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reduction in Reverse Osmosis (RO) concentrate using two types of natural zeolites. In order to reduce salinity of wastewater, experiments were carried out by varying the type of zeolite, concentration of zeolite and residence time. The results show that both zeolites can lower the SAR and TDS of wastewater; however, Rhyolitic tuff is more effective than clinoptilolite. It is observed that the concentration of zeolite has not significant effects on wastewater treatment, so, using the lowest level of selected concentration reduces the cost of desalination. In addition, the effect of residence time is negligible. The experimental set up shows that the SAR reduction slop is higher than TDS.