The unique composition of the mineral zeolite gives it important physical and chemical properties, so new applications for its use are constantly being developed, ranking it among the most useful minerals today. Zeolite, the “molecular sieve”, traps positive ions, absorbing a wide range of environmental pollutants amounting to up to thirty (30) per cent of its weight.

Zeolite contributes to a cleaner and safer environment in countless ways. It is used to enrich the air with oxygen thanks to its selective ability to absorb nitrogen. It is applied to clean seas from oil spills. As a redox catalyst, it can remove atmospheric pollutants such as engine exhaust gases and the CFCs that cause ozone depletion. Adding zeolite to cement in the construction sector significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It also improves and purifies drinking water by filtering out substances that are harmful to humans.

Natural zeolite has been used for protection against nuclear radiation leaks, as in Fukushima and Chernobyl. Because of its ability to bind heavy metals, zeolite is often applied in large quantities in areas affected by radiation leaks. It binds the radioactive material, which is then collected and encapsulated in glass and cement.

In industry it is used in filters to capture carbon dioxide and other harmful compounds. Zeolite can also be used to filter liquid industrial waste, binding various toxic and radioactive ions, and to recycle water from industrial activity. Most importantly, after use and with suitable treatment its properties can be restored so that it can be reused.

Zeolite’s ability to retain moisture helps reduce irrigation water use by up to 50%, contributing to water savings, since root hairs can draw water from inside the zeolite grains, protecting surface water and groundwater.

Using zeolite on the floor of livestock facilities helps absorb ammonia, reducing harmful fumes, while at the same time acting preventively against contaminants and pathogens and reducing the spread of disease. The mixture of zeolite and manure from livestock facilities can be used as an excellent natural fertiliser for crops.

Adding zeolite to animal feed reduces the need for antibiotics and medicines, and also helps prevent poisoning from toxic heavy metals and radioactive elements.

Adding zeolite to lakes and other bodies of water can reduce eutrophication, protecting flora and fauna from agricultural fertilisers, industrial waste and human sewage. At the same time, natural zeolite improves water clarity, adjusts its pH towards neutral, enriches the water with oxygen, reduces bacteria, prevents algae growth and traps odours, improving the survival, growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms.

Below are some of the beneficial properties of natural zeolite for the environment.

• Improves the quality of drinking water.
• Used to treat various types of wastewater (municipal, industrial, agricultural, radioactive waste).
• Helps the growth and reproduction of many aquatic organisms.
• In lake water and other bodies of water, it adjusts the pH towards neutral, enriches the water with oxygen, reduces bacteria and improves the survival and growth of organisms and plants.
• Binds and removes heavy metals and radionuclides from the soil.
• Removes radioactive isotopes from nuclear waste.
• In solid mining waste, and especially in tailings management ponds, it prevents metals from being leached out by rainwater.
• Recent news and publications on zeolite in the environment

Recent news and publications on zeolite in the environment