Natural zeolites are a class of aluminosilicate minerals with a three dimensional and open framework structure consisting of pores and cavities. Ion-exchange, adsorption, dehydration–rehydration and catalysis are among attractive properties of zeolites.
Natural zeolites are a class of aluminosilicate minerals with a three dimensional and open framework structure consisting of pores and cavities. Ion-exchange, adsorption, dehydration–rehydration and catalysis are among attractive properties of zeolites.
Since natural zeolite deposits were discovered around the world more than six decades ago, they now have many applications for use in agriculture and horticulture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, chemical, biological and environmental processes.
Zeolites are used as animal feed-additives, as soil-amender in agriculture, as adsorbents for pet litter, barns, refrigerators and athletic footwear and as bactericides, insecticides and antacids for humans and animals. Zeolite can also adsorb toxins from nuclear waste. Because of the wide range of their applications, they are commonly known as the Magic Rock or the Magic Mineral.
Lon Kerr, a graduate student at the University of Northern British Columbia is looking at a different way a modified form of the mineral can be used for killing bacteria in contaminated water.
Continue reading at University of Northern British Columbia.
Image via University of Northern British Columbia.
