Ammonia removal from compost leachate using zeolite. III. Regeneration of zeolite columns

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2001;36(10):1825-43. doi: 10.1081/ese-100107432.

Abstract

The effects of hydraulic reteneration time (HRT), and the strength of the regenerating solution on the ammonia adsorption capacity and the zeolite regeneration were studied using bench-scale packed zeolite columns. A 0.6 M NaCl solution fed at a HRT of I h was preferred for the regeneration process, and more than 95% of adsorbed ammonium ions were recovered after using 7-8 bed volumes (BV) of the regenerating solution. The adsorption-regeneration time ratio was approximately 5:1. High concentration of potassium ions in the composting leachate competed with NH4+ ions for the exchange sites, resulting in a reduction in the efficiencies of ammonia removal and zeolite column regeneration. However, Zeolite still proved to have a great potential as a medium for ammonia removal in treating composting leachate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Ammonia / chemistry*
  • Refuse Disposal*
  • Water Movements
  • Water Pollution / prevention & control
  • Zeolites / chemistry*

Substances

  • Zeolites
  • Ammonia