Clinoptilolite amendment to increase ammonium removal from landfill leachate in a clay loam soil

摘要

Municipal landfill leachate has been one of the major problems for the environment because of high organic substances, inorganic and heavy metal content and toxicity characteristics. Ammonium and organic substances are the most significant componentsof leachate in the long term. Land treatment is a cost-effective and environmentally sound method to reduce contamination or toxicity from waste waters before they can be released into the natural system. Clinoptilolite a natural zeolite, has been foundvery effective in removing ammonia from polluted waters. A soil column study was performed to investigate the zeolite effect on NH_4 removal from landfill leachate in a clay loam soil for duration of 12 weeks. Zeolite added to soil in three levels: 0%, 5% and 10% by weight. NH_4 concentration measured in the effluents at 1, 3, 5, 8 and 12 weeks. The results indicate that natural zeolite has a high potential for NH_4 adsorption and removal from wastewaters. Added Zeolite can improve soil removal efficiency, but the rates of application can be case sensitive depending on the soil and the type of zeolite and require a more accurate evaluation.