In this work the process of removal of zinc ions from aqueous solutions was studied using natural Syrian zeolite. Two samples were used: natural zeolite Z and modified zeolite with NaCl solution Z-Na. The removal percentage of zinc ions vs. time was
determined using differential initial concentrations of Zn+2: 50,100,200,300,400 mg/L. The contact time was determined and it was 360 min. The removal of Zn+2 ions as a function of temperature and pH have been studied. It was found the increasing of removal percentage by increasing temperature and increasing when pH increasing up to ~7,then the precipitation of zinc hydroxide accurse. The Langmuire adsorption isotherm equation used to calculate the maximum sorption capacity and it was 21.7 and 28.5 mg/g for Z and Z-Na respectively. Results indicate a significant potential for the natural and modified zeolite as an adsorbent/ion-exchange materials for heavy metal removal.
