[Removal of high concentration NH4(+) -N by nanochem zeolite ion exchange technology]

This paper assesses the potential of NanoChem zeolite for ammonia removal from synthetic solution and actual landfill leachate. The data from experiments in batch study were applied to Langmuir isotherm. The saturated amount of NH4(+) -N adsorbed per unit weight of NanoChem zeolite was about 364 mg x g(-1), which yield significantly 3-30 times higher ammonium adsorption capacity than nature zeolite and Microporous molecular sieves. The results of batch study showed that the contact time needed at least 20 h in order to attain exchange equilibrium; the ammonia removal capacity of NanoChem zeolite increased with the increase of initial ammonia concentration, while the ammonia removal rate decreased with the increase of initial ammonia concentration; the pH had an effect on ammonia removal efficiency as it can influence both the character of the exchanging ions and the NanoChem zeolite itself; regeneration made little change on ammonia removal efficiency, repeatability was good. In column study, the NanoChem zeolite was used for high ammonia nitrogen removal such as actual landfill leachate and the ammonia nitrogen was removed 100%.