Adsorption and desorption of ammonium by clinoptilolite adsorbent in municipal wastewater treatment systems

Natural zeolites as clinoptilolite may be used to recover wastewater ammonium, decrease the nitrogen content in the effluent from on-site sanitation systems and in wastewater treatment plants when nitrification–denitrification efficiency is low. The objective of this study was to estimate the ammonium adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite when being loaded with wastewater. Phosphorus and potassium sorption, ammonium desorption with tap water, and clogging were also studied. The study was performed by column experiments. Results of the investigation showed the ammonium adsorption capacity to increase with decreasing grain size, and the highest experimental adsorption capacity was 2.7 mg NH₄-N/g. The breakthrough occurred immediately, probably due to a too high loading rate. Phosphorus and potassium sorption were minor. Of adsorbed ammonium, 23% was desorbed by tap water and desorption was more pronounced during saturated conditions. Filter clogging was extensive and probably caused by particles in the effluent wastewater and by microbiological growth.