Heavy metal treatment and removal using natural zeolites from sewage sludge, compost, and agricultural soils: a review

Abstract

The environment is constantly exposed to a variety of chemical loads from natural and anthropogenic causes (xenobiotic substances). However, anthropogenic origin is the main source of xenobiotic substances, such as heavy metals in the environment. Moreover, the presence of these elements in water and soil has significant consequences because they are not easy to remove or deactivate. It is well known that irrigation and composted material can add heavy metals to the soil and deteriorate the quality of soil and plants, as well as the agricultural production with a high risk for food safety. Even more, when compost is been used, increases the metal content in the soils. This paper makes an overview regarding the presence of heavy metals and the methods to remove them and minimize the environmental risk based on the use of zeolites as a sustainable and successful example.