Removal of Nitrate Anion from Water by Surfactant Modified Carbonate Cancrinite Zeolite

High nitrate concentration in drinking water will cause negative effects to human health. The aim of this research is synthesis and characterization of high purity carbonate cancrinite zeolite and its surface modification in order to remove nitrate anions from water.
High purity carbonate cancrinite zeolite was synthesized hydrothermally using kaolin. Synthesis time was reduced by using bath ultrasound aging. After characterization, cationic surfactant modified zeolite was prepared. Optimally modified zeolite was used for removing nitrate from water.
Findings: High purity carbonate cancrinite zeolite was synthesized at 200 ◦C using kaolin in a mixture of 6 molar NaOH and 0.05 molar Na2CO3. The synthesis time was reduced to less than half by using bath ultrasound aging for 90 min. high externalcation exchange capacity (ECEC) of the synthesized zeolite justifies its surface modification for anion removal from water. Based on Langmuir isotherm model, maximum monolayer nitrate adsorption capacity was predicted to be 35.33, 28.41, and 17.06 mg/g at 20, 30 and 40 ◦C, respectively.
High purity carbonate cancrinite zeolite with high ECEC can be synthesis using kaolin and using bath ultrasound aging considerably reduces the synthesis time. Surfactant modified synthesized zeolite can be effectively used for nitrate removal from water.