Assessing Ammonium and Orthophosphate Ion Adsorption from Eutrophic Freshwaters with the Application of Iron-Modified Zeolites

Eutrophic inland and coastal waters, created due to excessive concentrations of nutrients, cause harmful algal blooms and decreased water quality. Chemical adsorption of ammonium and orthophosphate ions with clay-based materials is an effective method for reducing nutrient pollution. This study assesses the adsorption of ammonium and orthophosphate ions using different iron-modified zeolites. Chemical composition analysis, in parallel with the kinetic efficiency results for ammonium and orthophosphate ion adsorption, indicates that the incorporation of iron-modified zeolites enables these ions to be adsorbed due to their increased surface area and improved ion exchange properties. Additionally, the Langmuir isotherm effectively captures the adsorption characteristics of iron-modified zeolites for ammonium and orthophosphate ions. This study proposes an ecological restoration approach, along with a sustainable water treatment solution, emphasizing the efficacy of iron-modified zeolites in environmental management.