Zeolite Usage for Interventions in Accidental Polutions by Mine Waters in Maramureş County

Abstract

This study presents the results obtained using natural zeolites for retaining heavy metals from the Maramureş rivers affected by the mining activities. Natural zeolites from the north-west Transylvania have been tested, i.e. zeolite from Călineşti-Maramureş and two sorts of zeolites manufactured by SC Zeolitos SRL Oradea. Natural zeolites represint a technical and economical alternative to ion-exchange synthetic resins and classical waste water technologies. Heavy-metal containing waters from Cisla, Burloaia, Cavnic, Săsar, Buşag and Ilba rivers have been used. Metal concentrations of untreated vs. treated samples have been determined for the zeolites containing clinoptilolite. The adsorbtion of metals (Mn, Cu, Zn) during a 24h period has been studied for various zeolites.

Keywords

• zeolite
• clinoptilolite
• mine waters
• heavy metals
• manganese
• copper