Efficacy of organically and biologically modified diatomite as well zeolite in wastewater treatment and evaluation of its application influence on plants in contaminated soils

Abstract Background To maintain the synthesis simplicity and economic feasibility along with the environmental quality, adsorbents based on naturally occurring Egyptian and economic materials differ in their mineralogical composition will be prepared and used in the ongoing study to clean up environmental pollution. The study is aiming to focus on the preparation and the property change of zeolite and diatomite materials (functional groups and surface area) after modification even organically or biologically. Zeolite, diatomite and their modifiers with citric acid and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria were tested as adsorbent materials for heavy metal cations removal of El-Batts drain wastewater, Fayoum, Egypt, through the kinetic study. These (raw, organic and biological) modifiers were comparatively investigated regarding crystallinity (XRD), surface properties (SEM) and surface chemistry (EDX, FTIR). Batch experiments were conducted in response to pH, adsorbent type and contact time. Also, greenhouse experiments were accomplished using treated water to grow radish plants in polluted soils compiled from the site adjacent to El-Batts drain, to ensure the safety of crops grown with treated water. Results According to the optimum condition study, organic diatomite was most efficient compared to other modified materials prepared. Results of Zn. Equivalent (pollution index), heavy metals distribution, heavy metals concentricity in radish (roots/shoots) and the biological properties (enzymatic activities/pathogenic bacteria) in the soil receiving treated water, indicating soil health, and thus health of the plants produced, and their edibility, compared to soil receiving un treated water. Conclusions The results elucidated that the proposed natural and modified zeolite as well as diatomite materials have potential to expel heavy metals from low quality water in various circumstances and the successful adsorption abilities among the metal ions enhance the economic aspect of using it as cost effective adsorbents. Especially, organically diatomite treated with 0.2 molar citric acid which proved an exceptional adsorption capacity in treating El-Batts drain contaminated water at varying pH and contact time values.