Work

Zeolite Synthesized from Solid Waste for Eco-System Remediation: Selective Adsorption in Wastewater

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The present investigation explores the potential of two synthesized zeolites, derived from coal fly ash (CFA; thermoelectric waste) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA; agro-industrial waste), for the selective adsorption of cesium in wastewater. The synthesized zeolites (ZCFA and ZSCBA) were characterized and compared with a commercial zeolite to evaluate their physicochemical properties and effectiveness in removing cesium ions (Cs+) from simulated radioactive wastewater. The results obtained from X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of high-purity zeolite from both solid wastes. The impurities present in the ashes impacted the Si/Al ratio and consequently influenced the exchange capacity. After adsorption experiments, neutron activation analysis (NAA) revealed that ZSCBA adsorbed 33.4% of Cs2O by weight, outperforming both ZCFA (26.0%) and commercial zeolite (27.9%). The superior performance of ZSCBA is attributed to its distinct Si/Al ratio and lower levels of impurities, highlighting the impact of these factors on adsorption selectivity. The findings in this study demonstrate the feasibility of valorizing agro-industrial waste for synthesizing zeolites, offering a sustainable approach for managing these residues while producing valuable materials for environmental remediation.

Source: Chemistry

DOI: 10.3390/chemistry7010003

Authors: Mariana S. Araujo, Danilo Costa-Silva, Juliana C. Izidoro, Denise A. Fungaro, Sonia Mello Castanho

Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares

Language: English

Topic: Chemical Synthesis and Characterization

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,046