An integrated approach for developing the properties of natural zeolites

In this research study; physical, chemical and morphological characterization studies of clinoptilolite type zeolite sample obtained from Gördes Zeolit A.Ş (Manisa) were carried out and cation exchange capacity was determined. As a result of studies which were conducted using zeolite samples in four different size fractions (-3,35 + 2 mm, -2 +1 mm, -1 mm, and -0,106 mm), the cation exchange capacities were found as 51,98; 99,01; 118,36 and 113,37 cmol/kg respectively. In order to determine the heavy metal adsorption properties of zeolite ore, solutions containing heavy metals such as Zn, Ni, Cr and Cd were prepared to simulate the urban stormwater with the highest heavy metal concentrations determined up to now and adsorption of these heavy metals on zeolite has been investigated. It is concluded that Gördes natural zeolite used is very successful in the adsorption of heavy metals in question. Zeolite ores have potential use in many different areas, but especially when used in animal feed additives and biomedical fields, the empurities in the ores can be a problem. In order to remove the lead element contained in the studied ore sample, three variable and three-level lead leaching test schemes were designed using Response Surface Method and Full Factorial Experimental Design. The tests showed that the most effective parameters for lead leaching are temperature and pH, the solid/liquid ratio has limited effect on lead leaching in the range of the experimental parameters studied.