Barbora Hudcová et al. recently published a paper focused on zinc binding properties onto natural and synthetic zeolites. The study investigated the adsorption mechanisms of Zn(II) on natural, synthetic, and perlite by-product zeolites under different conditions including laboratory solutions, extracted soil solutions and real metal-rich soils. The adsorbed amount and strength of binding decreased in the order of synthetic > perlite by-product > natural zeolite showing significant influence of the zeolitic framework and related properties. The experiments in soils showed reversible (weaker) binding of Zn on natural zeolite and, conversely, a significant influence of irreversible (stronger) binding on both synthetic zeolites. This study also provided information on the main disadvantages and perspectives of the application of zeolites in remediation technologies.
Hudcová B., Osacký M., Vítková M., Mitzia A., Komárek M., 2021. Investigation of zinc binding properties onto natural and synthetic zeolites: Implications for soil remediation. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 317, 111022. DOI: 10.1016/j.micromeso.2021.111022
Read the paper here.