EUREKA PROJECT > 4208 PUREWATER
- SUMMARY
- OUTLINE
- PARTICIPANTS
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SLOVENIA
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SERBIA
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CROATIA
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SLOVENIA
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NATURAL ZEOLITES IN WATER QUALITY SYSTEM
The project will focus on testing natural Serbian and Croatian zeolites for their use in the removal of toxic zinc, chromium, copper and arsenic from waste and drinking water. The performance of natural zeolites and synthetic zeolite A produced in SLOVENIA will be compared.
Status > FINISHED - 14-Mar-2012 Technological Area Market Area Start Date > 30-Apr-2008 Duration > 36 Months Participating countries > SLOVENIA, CROATIA, SERBIA | Main contactNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY
Prof. Dr. Kaucic Venceslav > Head of the Laboratory Organisation type > Research Institute |
Project Description
Many toxic heavy metal ions are discharged into the environment with industrial wastes causing serious water and soil contamination. Heavy metal ions such as Cr3+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ are common metal ions, which accumulate in living organisms causing numerous disorders and diseases. They are also common groundwater contaminants at industrial installations. Arsenic is a well known metalloid which causes serious problems in drinking water since it is extremely poisonous. The presence of arsenic in water is due to the dissolution of minerals from subterranean strata or from an anthropogenic origin such as the leaching of arsenic compounds from smelting of metal ores, agricultural pesticides or wood preservatives. Arsenic contamination of groundwater as a source of drinking water has been a health risk for many regions around the world. The WHO (World Health Organisation) established that even a low concentration of arsenic in drinking water produces negative effects on human health, therefore the arsenic reference value for drinking water is 0.010 mg/dm3. Many wells spread all over the world exceed this value. Thus, there is still an urgent need for development of a cost-effective method for arsenic removal from groundwater and wastewater. Numerous methods exist for removing heavy metal and arsenic ions from water. Precipitation, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, ion exchange and adsorption are some of the commonly used techniques. As it is easy to remove the sorbent from aqueous media after treatment, sorption is generally considered to be the most suitable method. The use of alternative low-cost materials such as potential sorbents has recently been extensively studied. The processes using activated carbons or alumina as adsorbent are considered to be particularly competitive and effective, however they are not suitable in developing countries due to the high costs associated with the production and regeneration of the spent adsorbent. Accordingly, ion exchange is considered to be cost-effective only when low-cost exchangers such as natural zeolites are used. Zeolites are naturally occurring aluminosilicates. They are well known for their ion exchange, catalytic and sorption properties. The structures of zeolites consist of three-dimensional networks of SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra arranged in an alternating manner. This produces negatively charged lattice, where the presence of exchangeable captions such as sodium, potassium or calcium balances the net negative charge. These captions are exchangeable with the captions of heavy metals in water solutions. The arsenic is found as anionic species in water, thus it is not exchangeable by the ions from zeolite. However, the high specific area of zeolites as well as the possibility of a chemical modification of the zeolite surface, allow zeolites to be effective sorbents for anionic species also. Clinoptilolite is the most abundant natural zeolite. Its tabular morphology shows an open reticular structure of easy access exhibited by (eight- and ten-member ring) channels up to 0.7 nm in diameter. The clinoptilolite samples from various regions show different sorption and ion-exchange behaviour, the difference being mainly caused by a different composition of zeolitic tuffs. In this project, two large clinoptilolite deposits from SERBIA (Vranjska Banja and Beocin) and one from CROATIA (Donje Jesenje) will be investigated for use in heavy metal and arsenic ion removal from waste and drinking water. Ion exchange and adsorption methods will be used for the pollutant removal. The performance of natural zeolitic tuffs will be compared with the adsorption characteristics of synthetic zeolite A (4 nm channels) produced in SLOVENIA in order to evaluate their technological and economical advantages and disadvantages.
Technological Development Envisaged
In water management processes, water as a raw material should be optimally utilised. The advantage of zeolites is their ion exchange properties, which enable the return of the purified water back into the production processes. The concentrated solutions obtained as a result of ion exchanger regeneration processes can also be returned into production processes as a raw material. Metal Cr and As species are present in water solutions as different aqua complexes. The ionic radii of the investigated cations are smaller than the radii of the CLI channels, so that all the cations can pass readily through the channels. This means that the ion exchange process will take place readily and without hindrance. However, the literature reports have shown that both the ion exchange and the chemisorption act toward the immobilisation of heavy metal cations in natural zeolites. Since the ion exchange is reversible and chemisorption is an irreversible process - resulting in the formation of stable complexes between the zeolite lattice and heavy metal ions - detailed structural investigations of the metal-containing CLI will be performed. The efficiency of the As removal by zeolite is greatly affected by the presence of iron ions. Also, surfactant-modified clays show a strong affinity to anionic species. Both methods will be studied for the immobilisation of arsenic species on the CLI samples and the As removal from drinking water.
Main contactNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY
Prof. Dr. Kaucic Venceslav > Head of the Laboratory Organisation type > Research Institute |
Contribution to project
The Institute will play a crucial role in the detailed structural and morphological investigation of the zeolite tuffs and related toxic-metal sorption mechanisms using state-of-the-art equipment and methods, including synchrotron and neutron sources. X-ray diffraction and complementary microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, like scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersion elemental analysis by X-ray, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc. will be used for the determination of zeolite tuff components in their raw form as well as in their metal-modified forms. The investigations will be a basis for development of the pre-treatment and post-treatment procedures of the clinoptilolite-based sorbents.
Expertise
The NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY is a Slovenian research institution that is a leading and worldwide recognised centre in the field of chemistry and related disciplines. The research performed and modern infrastructure, including state-of-the-art NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectrometers, X-ray diffractometer and electronic microscopes, make top-level scientific research achievements possible, nurturing new human potentials and transferring knowledge into the economy. The fields of research of the Institute include analytics and chemical characterisation of materials and processes encompassing the study and development of modern analytical methodologies and tools for trace analysis and chemical speciation of elements and compounds, to get more insight into their biogeochemistry for a better understanding of environmental, biomedical, atmospheric, agricultural, industrial, etc. related topics.
Main contactUniversity of Zagreb / Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technol. Prof. Dr. Stefica Cerjan Stefanovic > Professor Organisation type > University |
Contribution to project
The FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY will conduct experimental work in the sorption of metal ions by the zeolite minerals from Donje Jesenje (CRO). The Faculty will play a crucial role in developing procedures for the removal of heightened arsenic concentration from drinking water, since groundwater in the area of the eastern part of CROATIA contains high concentrations of arsenic. The efficiency of As removal by zeolite is greatly affected by the modification zeolite of iron ions. A surfactant-modified sample shows a strong affinity to anionic species. Both methods will be studied for the immobilisation of arsenic species on the CLI samples and the As removal from drinking water. One of the primary objectives of the project is to study the As sorption on the CLI as a function of: 1) the type of As species (arsenate (V) vs. arsenite (III)), 2) the Fe/surfacant surface loading level, and 3) counter-ion desorption, so that the mechanism of As sorption on modified-CLI can be elucidated. The influence of the process variables such as the mass ratio of the (waste or drinking) water to clinoptilolite (CLI), particle size of CLI, pre-treatment of CLI, water pH, presence of other ions in water, will also be investigated. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the ion exchange and sorption processes will be determined. Desorption of the metal-loaded samples will also be performed in laboratory and pilot experiments. The Faculty will also participate in the definition of processing parameters and the design of pilot plants.
Expertise
The FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, University of Zagreb, is an institution of higher education that carries out educational and research activities in the scientific fields of chemistry, chemical engineering and chemical technology. The Faculty has a broad experience in research and the transfer of knowledge necessary for the development of chemical processes and their application in manufacturing, the development of materials for special purposes, the methods of quality control, environmental protection as well as the development of technologies that fully exploit energy and at the same time have the least environmental impact.
Main contactUNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB/FACULTY OF TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY PhD. Branka Vojnovic > Assistant Professor Organisation type > University |
Contribution to project
The contribution of the FACULTY OF TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY (TTF) will be in experimental work in the developing procedures for reduction of coloured textile waste waters and eliminating of chromium species and copper ions from textile effluents after treatment by natural zeolites through studying the adsorption mechanism. Spectroscopic methods will be suggested for measuring the content of copper and chromium ions.
Expertise
TTF, as a member of the UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB, is the only institution in the REPUBLIC OF CROATIA which performs research in the field of textile science and technology. It consists of seven departments and 88 research-teaching staff supervising 1000 students' at all educational levels. It is a modern institution with a range of education levels in accordance with the Bologna process and offers Master and Doctoral degrees, as well as scientific research and technical scientific services for industry and users in the field of chemical, mechanical, and clothing technology and design. Experts from TTF are included in the work of the European Technology Platform (ETP): for the future of textiles and clothing (FTC) contributing in sectors: TEG 2: Functionalisation of textiles; TEG 3: Biomaterials & biotechnologies; TEG 4: New textile products; and TEG 9: Smart textiles & clothing. Research and development of analytical methods for the determination of micro-compounds in the macro-components of textile materials and wastewaters are performed within the Department of Applied Chemistry, Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry. The expertise areas of the participating researchers are the characterisation of heavy metals in modern textile finishing processes as well as raw textile material and auxiliaries, as well as in processes and waste waters.
Main contactGM Water, d.o.o. Mr. Milorad Golubovic > General menager Organisation type > Other |
Contribution to project
GM WATER, D.O.O (GMW), project partner; - Responsible for development and implementation of methodologies for detecting, monitoring and laboratory procedures of algal communities with a special focus on cleaning contaminated sludge; - Responsible for the hydrodynamic study of bioreactors, kinetic studies of different bacteria and micro algae growth within bioreactors and mathematical modelling of bioreactors; - Responsible for setting up a pilot facility and performing experiments under realistic conditions.
Expertise
GMW is a company that deals with the construction of facilities for waste water treatment as well as arsenic removal from natural water. In particular, GMW introduces the latest technological developments in the following applications: 1. Water softening to prevent lime scale formation in industrial boiler plants; 2. Removal of iron and manganese from water; 3. Removal of chlorine from water, removal of unpleasant odours, the use of activated carbon filters; 4. Removal of arsenic from water; 5. Removal of the soil organic matter from water; 6. Water disinfection by UV (Ultra Violet) sterilisation; 7. Decarbonising of water for soft drinks production; 8. Deionisation of water; 9. Water production by reverse osmosis.
Main contactBELGRADE UNIVERSITY/ FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY AND METALLURGY Prof. Dr. Nevenka Rajic > Vice Dean Organisation type > University |
Contribution to project
The FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY AND METALLURGY will perform a thorough literature search and overview concerning the removal of toxic heavy metal ions and the immobilisation of arsenic specie on zeolites and zeolite-like sorbents. The Faculty will be involved in the design of experimental procedures, in the study of adsorption properties and in elucidation of a sorption mechanism. A procedure based on bacterial activity for 'cleaning' the contaminated sludge will be proposed. The Faculty will also participate in the definition of processing parameters and the design of pilot plants. A very important role of the Faculty will also be to advise and contribute to the harmonisation of Serbian legislation regarding waste and drinking water quality with EU legislation.
Expertise
The Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE, has had an extensive experience in scientific and research work in the field of material science and engineering, chemical technology and environmental engineering. The Faculty carries out research and educational programmes linking together fundamental knowledge and practical application of chemical and biochemical processes in various industrial areas. The Faculty has had significant scientific results in the synthesis and characterisation of materials and in the investigation of surface chemistry. It designs the pilot and industrial chemical plants, assists in the design of systems providing safe drinking water and is engaged in developing proper management of hazardous waste.
Main contactCWG d.o.o. Dipl. Ing. Mario Skrapec > General manager Organisation type > SME |
Contribution to project
Regarding the wide range of new technology used in water treatment, CWG's contribution to this project will be all the equipment needed for quality and fruitful results. Along with high-technology equipment, their service field team is fully equipped for any task. CWG D.O.O. will support the project team with their know-how experience in water treatment along with the use of the best supporting materials and best units to achieve excellent results in this project. CWG D.O.O. will play a crucial role in the technological part of the project where the knowledge will be transferred into practice, i.e. the zeolites with the best adsorption-desorption characteristics will be used in the new water purification systems.
Expertise
CWG D.O.O.'s core business and expertise stem from 25 years of work on water treatment processes, technology and wastewater. CWG has always been very forward-looking and has educated the industrial sector about reaching higher levels of environment-friendly equipment and waste reuse. From our experience and the quality indicators in the industrial sector over the years, CWG has built up a solid knowledge base. Our major goal is to reach a maximum exploitation level and minimise production costs. Based on CWGs experiences and current know-how in the water treatment area, they can solve almost any water treatment problem.
Main contactBELGRADE UNIVERSITY / FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE http://www.agrifaculty.bg.ac.yu Organisation type > University |
Contribution to project
Faculty of Agriculture, UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE (FA), project partner; - Responsible for development and implementation of methodologies for detecting, monitoring and laboratory procedures of algal communities with a special focus on cleaning contaminated sludge; - Responsible for the hydrodynamic study of bioreactors, kinetic studies of different bacteria and micro algae growth within bioreactors and the mathematical modelling of bioreactors.
Expertise
The Faculty is a teaching and research institution whose activities cover the following fields: crop science, fruit science and viticulture, animal science, soil management, plant and food protection, agricultural engineering, food technology and agricultural economics. The Faculty is either independent or cooperative with other organisations in research and professional activity through basic, applied and developmental investigations, studies and projects, engineering, expertise, consulting, attesting, granting licenses, certificates in all spheres of agricultural production and food technology according to EU legislation in education and science. The 'Radmilovac' research and development field was basically intended for practical instruction and training, and diploma work of the Fruit Science and Viticulture Department students as well as for research activities of the Department teaching staff. Experiment stations and the Centre were a 'check point' for introducing new varieties and stocks of fruit trees and grapevines, developing and breeding domestic varieties, introducing new training systems, investigating biological and ecological properties of fruits and grapevine, finding best suited technologies of planting and growing these crops, etc. The total number of currently running international projects is 12.
Main contactSILKEM D.O.O.
M.Sc. Janez Bedrac > Director Organisation type > SME |
Contribution to project
The organisation will offer their zeolite products for a comparative study of the adsorption/desorption performance of natural zeolitic tuffs and synthetic zeolites for the removal of toxic metals from water. The expected better adsorption characteristic and higher cost of synthetic zeolites (400 EUR/T) will be considered for possible use in water purification systems.
Expertise
SILKEM D.O.O. is a well-known European manufacturer of raw materials for the detergent industry and chemicals industry, and refractory materials in the ceramics industry. They invest in the continuous improvements of their product range of zeolites, silicates, granulates, and calcinated and sinter alumina. SILKEM has been developing synthetic zeolites for more than 20 years. The basis and the development of the company are ultimately connected to zeolite 4A as an ion exchanger in washing powders, and which has now expanded to many new alternative fields as an additive to reduce temperature and gas emission by ingreading asphalt, to reduce vapour pressure in Vacuum Insulation Panels (increase insulating properties), to replace systems containing heavy metals (Cobalt) by plastic material production, as well as being used as desiccants, molecular sieves, etc. All of SILKEM's production techniques have been developed in-house.
