Removal of lead: the synergistic power of clinoptilolite and nano-composite materials—a comprehensive review

The use of fertilizers and poorly designed fertilization strategies can lead to significant nutrient losses from the soil, which ultimately reduces soil productivity and cause for pollutants. Climate change worsens this issue by causing water scarcity due to decreased precipitation and rising temperatures, further affecting agricultural output. Zeolites, a type of tectosilicate with a unique three-dimensional structure, contain exchangeable cations that help balance the charge of their silica and alumina frameworks. This distinctive property allows zeolites to tackle soil and water challenges by improving soil physicochemical properties, such as saturated hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate, water retention, and cation exchange capacity. For example, research has indicated that zeolites can enhance water retention by as much as 50% in sandy soils and boost cation exchange capacity by 30%, making nutrients more accessible to plants and good in remediating environmental pollutants like Lead. Despite their potential benefits, the application of zeolites in agriculture is still not widely explored. While numerous studies have looked into zeolites as soil amendments, there is limited research on zeolite-based fertilizers for crop production. This review aims to delve into the properties, mechanisms, and benefits of zeolites and zeolite-based fertilizers and removal of lead using clinoptilolite and nanocomposite materials. It emphasizes their interactions with nutrients and heavy metals, as well as their role in enhancing crop productivity under various soil and environmental conditions. By addressing these gaps in knowledge, this review seeks to further research and encourage the sustainable use of zeolites in agriculture.