Zeolites and the environment
The unique composition of the zeolite mineral gives it significant physical and chemical properties, resulting in the constant development of new applications for its use, making it one of the most useful minerals today. zeolite, the ‘molecular sieve’, traps positive ions, absorbing a multitude of environmental pollutants amounting to as much as thirty (30) per cent of its weight!
zeolite contributes to a cleaner and safer environment in countless ways. It is used to enrich the atmosphere with oxygen due to its selective ability to absorb nitrogen. It is used to clean up oil spills in the seas. As a redox catalyst, it can remove atmospheric pollutants, such as engine exhaust gases and CFCs, which contribute to ozone depletion. Adding zeolite to cement in the construction sector also significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It also improves and purifies drinking water by filtering out all substances hazardous to humans.
Natural zeolite has been used to protect against nuclear radiation leaks, such as at Fukushima and Chernobyl. Due to 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. Furthermore, zeolite can be used to filter liquid industrial waste, binding various toxic and radioactive ions, as well as in the recycling of water from industrial activities. Most importantly, however, after use and with appropriate treatment, its properties can be restored so that it can be reused.
The use of natural zeolite in agriculture reduces the use of fertilisers and pesticides by between 50 per cent and 100 per cent. This prevents the land and water environments from being polluted by harmful substances, with significant positive effects on the quality and purity of food, and consequently to the improvement of human health.
Zeolite’s ability to retain moisture helps reduce water use in irrigation by up to 50 per cent, thereby contributing to water conservation, as root hairs are able to draw water from within the zeolites, whilst ensuring the protection of surface and groundwater.
The use of zeolite on the floors of livestock units helps to absorb ammonia, reducing harmful vapours, whilst at the same time acting as a preventative measure against all contaminantsand pathogenic agents, thereby reducing the transmission of diseases. The mixture of zeolite and manure from livestock farms can be used as an excellent natural fertiliser for crops.
Adding zeolite to animal feed reduces the need for antibiotics and medicines, whilst also helping to prevent poisoning from toxic heavy metals and radioactive elements.
Adding zeolite to lakes and other bodies of water can reduce the phenomenon of 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 to neutral, enriches the water with oxygen, reduces bacteria, prevents the growth of algae and traps odours, thereby improving the living conditions, growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms.
Natural zeolite is a pure product, harmless and friendly to both the environment and humans.