New and Innovative Applications of Natural Zeolites

The unique properties of natural zeolites have been exploited for decades in a myriad of applications. Recent innovative applications of natural zeolites have applied surfactants* to modify their surfaces, augmenting their normal cation-exchange property with an ability to interact with non-polar and anionic species. These surfactant-modified zeolites have been studied for removal of viruses, bacteria, pharmaceuticals, organic compounds, and oxyanions (including AsO43−) from waters and of mycotoxins from animal feed. They have also been applied as active ingredients in medical devices, drug carriers, and wound-healing accelerators. Natural zeolites have been evaluated in wine and beer making, often producing superior results when combined with bentonite. Applications for natural zeolites continue to grow, but the polymineralic nature of most deposits must be considered.