Investigation of Dye Removal from Water Using Zeolite Minerals Modified with Different Sodium Sources

European Geosciences Union (EGU) 2025 General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, 27 April - 02 May 2025, pp.1, (Summary Text)

The presence of pollutant dyes in water bodies poses a significant concern that adversely impacts

both human health and environmental integrity. Numerous methodologies and materials exist for

the extraction of these contaminants from aqueous solutions and their subsequent utilization.

Adsorption processes utilizing zeolite minerals and various modified forms are frequently

employed.

The unmodified forms of zeolite minerals are inadequate for dye removal from aqueous solutions;

consequently, the properties of zeolite can be enhanced through the application of various

surfactants. Nevertheless, the organic surfactants utilized in enhancing zeolite efficacy are also

contaminants, and further research is being conducted to eliminate these pollutants from

aqueous environments. Furthermore, only organic surfactants and a limited number of distinct

active substances have been utilized to enhance the dye removal efficacy of zeolites. While zeolite

minerals modified with inorganic active substances such as NaCl, Na2CO3 and Na2SO4 have been

utilized in various applications, the dye removal efficacy of zeolites modified with these inorganic

salts has not been previously investigated.

In this study, as an alternative to organic surfactants conventionally employed for the modification

of zeolite minerals in dye removal applications, the efficacy of previously untested inorganic active

substances on zeolites was examined to provide a more environmentally sustainable option.

Modification processes were conducted utilizing NaCl, Na2CO3, and Na2SO4, while control

modifications were performed using HDTMA, a widely employed substance, to evaluate the

comparative efficacy of these active compounds. The efficacy of the unmodified and modified

zeolites was evaluated using Reactive Black 5 and Methylene Blue dyes. The Batch Method was

employed for dye removal experiments. Throughout the experimental procedure, the

modification rate, initial dye concentration, and zeolite-dye ratios were systematically varied, and

optimal parameters under these conditions were determined. Consequently, it was demonstrated

that the modification of zeolite minerals with inorganic active substances can be utilized for the

removal of pollutant dyes from aqueous solutions.