A critical review of heavy meta removal from aqueous solution

Abstract

Recent work on the application of natural zeolites to the removal of heavy metals in solution is discussed. Ionic selectivity sequences of natural zeolites, as well as parameters associated with their efficiency of adsorption and ionic exchange, are closely related to their crystal structure and the chemical characteristics of the ions in solution. It is noteworthy that some external variables such as temperature, pH and initial ion concentration can interfere in the process of removal of heavy metals in solution, as well as in the sequence of ionic selectivity. In general, ions with low energy of hydration have greater preference for available charged exchange sites within the zeolite framework. The efficiency of removal of ions with higher energy of hydration, in turn, can be controlled by its solution concentration: the less concentrated the better. It is evident, therefore, that natural zeolites have a great potential in the treatment of effluents contaminated by heavy metals.