Cheaper production of zeolites for environmental applications such as soil and water remediation is possible using this process that starts from the waste material fly ash. The process produces up to eight times the zeolites and produces them more cheaply than do other zeolite processes. It also uses seawater and operates at low temperatures while other processes required higher temperatures. Zeolites capture and retain heavy metals by encapsulating them in the zeolitic framework via an ion-exchange mechanism. Fly ash is a waste material produced by coal-fired electricity generating plants. The zeolitic product obtained with the patented process could offer a cheaper solution to obtaining zeolites for remediation as well as a way to make use of a waste by-product. Studies on the effects of the zeolite mass on the removal of heavy metals showed a high removal efficiency. Leaching tests have demonstrated that once the zeolitic structure has encapsulated heavy metals they are removable only by using aggressive chemical substances. Transforming fly ash into zeolitic material reduces the hazard of the fly ash and turns it into a useful product. Studies on the effects of the zeolite product on the removal of heavy metals from polluted aqueous solutions showed a high removal efficiency. o Leaching tests demonstrated that zeolite removed heavy metals by encapsulation in its framework via an ion-exchange mechanism. o The geopolymer product containing zeolites in formation can be applied directly to polluted soil. Studies performed both at laboratory and bench scales suggest that zeolite captures heavy metals in its structure while forming.
The zeolite product has been tested for its ability to remove heavy metals from polluted aqueous solutions. Studies on the effects of the zeolite mass on the removal of manganese showed a high removal efficiency. Leaching tests demonstrated that zeolite removed the toxic elements by encapsulation in its framework via an ion-exchange mechanism. The process for producing Zeolite beginning with fly ash includes the formation of an intermediate geopolymer product that converts to zeolite after a period of incubation. The geopolymer product containing zeolites in formation can be applied directly to the polluted soil thus immobilizing toxic heavy metals within the zeolite structure during its growth and formation. Zeolite formation directly in polluted soil represents a useful method to reduce both the availability and the mobility of the toxic elements ie heavy metals. Experiments performed with this product both at laboratory and bench scale suggest that zeolite captures heavy metals in its structure while...