Investigation of Dye Removal from Water Using Zeolite Minerals Modified with Different Sodium Sources

The presence of pollutant dyes in water bodies poses a significant concern that adversely impacts both human health and environmental integrity. Numerous methodologies and materials exist for the extraction of these contaminants from aqueous solutions and their subsequent utilization. Adsorption processes utilizing zeolite minerals and various modified forms are frequently employed.

The unmodified forms of zeolite minerals are inadequate for dye removal from aqueous solutions; consequently, the properties of zeolite can be enhanced through the application of various surfactants. Nevertheless, the organic surfactants utilized in enhancing zeolite efficacy are also contaminants, and further research is being conducted to eliminate these pollutants from aqueous environments. Furthermore, only organic surfactants and a limited number of distinct active substances have been utilized to enhance the dye removal efficacy of zeolites. While zeolite minerals modified with inorganic active substances such as NaCl, Na2CO3 and Na2SO4 have been utilized in various applications, the dye removal efficacy of zeolites modified with these inorganic salts has not been previously investigated.

In this study, as an alternative to organic surfactants conventionally employed for the modification of zeolite minerals in dye removal applications, the efficacy of previously untested inorganic active substances on zeolites was examined to provide a more environmentally sustainable option. Modification processes were conducted utilizing NaCl, Na2CO3, and Na2SO4, while control modifications were performed using HDTMA, a widely employed substance, to evaluate the comparative efficacy of these active compounds. The efficacy of the unmodified and modified zeolites was evaluated using Reactive Black 5 and Methylene Blue dyes. The Batch Method was employed for dye removal experiments. Throughout the experimental procedure, the modification rate, initial dye concentration, and zeolite-dye ratios were systematically varied, and optimal parameters under these conditions were determined. Consequently, it was demonstrated that the modification of zeolite minerals with inorganic active substances can be utilized for the removal of pollutant dyes from aqueous solutions.