Synthesis of a Novel Modified Zeolite (ZeoPhos) for the Adsorption of Ammonium and Orthophosphate Ions from Eutrophic Waters

Intensified human activities such as urbanization, agricultural production, industrialization, mining, and fish farming have led to high concentrations of nutrients in water bodies, resulting in eutrophication. Eutrophication has become a global problem that threatens water ecosystems globally. The present study examines the efficiency of applying a novel modified material as an adsorbent for phosphate and ammonium uptake from natural eutrophic freshwater, called ‘ZeoPhos’. The novel material consists of natural zeolite and the addition of iron, calcium, and humic ions, which have been reported for their high adsorption capacity and nutrient-binding properties. Morphological and chemical composition analysis by SEM/EDS and TEM microscopic analysis results are included for natural and modified zeolite. Ammonium and orthophosphate kinetic adsorption results are aligned with pseudo-second kinetic models and reveal 78% and 70% adsorption removal efficiency for solutions of 1 mg NH4+-N/L and 1 mg PO43−-P/L, respectively. Finally, ‘ZeoPhos’ ammonium and orthophosphate ions adsorption capacity reached up to 28.61 mg/g ± 0.32 and 27.13 mg/g ± 0.57, respectively, after Langmuir fitting isotherm experiments.