THE ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL ZEOLITE AS A MATERIAL FOR REMEDIATION OF MERCURY CONTAMINATED WATER BODIES

The sorption ability of natural zeolite clinoptilolite for total mercury leached from contaminated soil of Idrija district in Slovenia has been investigated. The satisfactory removal of total mercury on two particle sizes of zeolite sample has been observed. The pH value is a key factor for leaching and uptake of mercury from natural soil systems. It was established that natural zeolite clinoptilolite has a potential to be used as a material for remediation of mercury contaminated waters.