Removal of bacteria by clinoptilolite rich mineral and its surfactant modified forms

Abstract

Batch experiments were carried out to understand the potential values of clinoptilolite rich mineral and its surfactant modified forms in the removal of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Zeta potential and Fourier Transform IR analysis were performed to explain the possible interactions between the bacteria and the zeolite samples. The results revealed that hydrogen bonding was significant mechanism in the removal of bacteria with clinoptilolite rich mineral and anionic surfactant modified clinoptilolite rich mineral whereas both attractive electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding were dominant mechanism in the removal of bacteria with cationic surfactant modified clinoptilolite rich mineral. Cationic and anionic surfactant modified clinoptilolite rich mineral are promising materials in removal of bacteria studies.