Statistical Approach for Removing Some Heavy Metals from Water Samples Using Natural Zeolite
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24086/cuesj.v10n1y2026.pp110-115Keywords:
Factorial design, Clinoptilolite natural zeolite, nickel, chromium, response surface methodologyAbstract
The need for contaminant-free water in agriculture, industry, and medicine makes the removal of heavy metals from water a priority because of their high potential for toxicity and bioaccumulation. This study aimed to examine the effect of readily available and inexpensive, yet promising, natural zeolite, clinoptilolite, on removing heavy metals, specifically nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr), from prepared water samples. Zeolite was used as an adsorbent. A two-level full factorial design was used to determine the main and interaction effects of three factors (amount of zeolite, pH, and metal concentration) on the removal percentage of Cr and Ni ions from the prepared samples. Batch processes were conducted using aqueous solutions under specific laboratory conditions. The results showed that the clinoptilolite zeolite can remove heavy metals from water samples. Highest removal percentages were 43% and 41% for Cr and Ni ions, respectively. The results show an interaction effect between zeolite amount and pH for Cr ion removal, and between metal concentration and pH for Ni ion removal. There was no main effect of pH on Cr ion removal. However, there was no main effect of zeolite amount on Ni removal.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulsalam A. Matlob; Abbas F. M. Alkarkhi (Author)
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