Structural Modifications of Clinoptilolite-Type Zeolites Utilized for Ammonium Filtration in Standing Water Bodies

Clinoptilolite-type zeolites were tested for their effectiveness in removing ammonium from standing water bodies. To enhance their retention efficiency to nearly 100% for ammonium ions, a thermal treatment at 50°C was identified as an effective method. To assess the changes in the zeolite structure resulting from this thermal treatment, both the original and thermally treated samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). This advanced technique allows for an in-depth examination of the morphology, topography, and elemental distribution within the samples.

The findings indicated an increase in porosity in the thermally treated zeolite samples, accompanied by a reduction in particle size. This morphological enhancement is crucial for increasing ammonium filtration efficacy, as increased porosity can improve ion-exchange capacity. The elemental composition of both the original and thermally treated samples is O₂, Si, Al, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, and Na. Notably, the elemental composition of the zeolites and their concentration remained approximately the same throughout the thermal treatment process, suggesting that the thermal modifications primarily affected the physical structure rather than altering the inherent material properties. These results underscore the potential of thermally treated clinoptilolite-type zeolites as effective filtering agents for ammonium removal from aquatic environments, providing a promising approach for environmental remediation in standing waters.