Clinoptilolite: a possible support material for nitrifying biofilms for effective control of ammonium effluent quality?

Abstract

Ammonium selective natural zeolite clinoptilolite is suggested as a possible support material for nitrifying biofilms to help improve effluent ammonium quality through its high capacity of ammonium removal in the process of ion exchange. This will especially be helpful in cases where the biofilter receives peak or variable loads routinely or occasionally. At the time of peak loads or shocks of ammonium, ion exchange capacity will provide a buffer for the effluent ammonium quality. Data to support this suggestion is presented.