Modeling, Simulation, Optimization, and Experimental Verification of Mercury Removal onto Natural and Sulfur-Impregnated Zeolite Clinoptilolite—Assessment of Feasibility for Remediation of Mercury-Contaminated Soil

In this paper, a series of equilibrium and kinetic experiments Hg(II) removal in single-stage batch reactor on natural (NZ) sulfur-impregnated zeolite (SZ) were performed. Batch sorption zeolites was studied using different isothermal models. It found to be best described by the Brouers-Sotolongo isotherm Vermeulen’s approximation, which applied optimizing mass contact time two-stage cross-current counter-current flow reactors based desired criterion 99.9% efficiency. Mathematical models for minimizing developed experimentally verified. The optimum minimum masses NZ SZ calculated all systems, significant saving consumption when design applied. toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) mercury contaminated soil from Idrija mine region Slovenia evaluate potential toxicity. results showed that is extremely represents hazardous waste. addition significantly reduced concentration leached Hg, with most satisfactory obtained SZ. at lowest dose 0.25 g SZ, Hg below maximum 0.2 mg/L according TCLP test. This study revealed could sorbent situ remediation soil.