Particle release and permeability reduction in a natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) and sand porous medium.
To evaluate clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, as a candidate material for a permeable reactive barrier for removal of strontium from groundwater, we investigated particle release and permeability reduction in clinoptilolite and sand porous media. In flow-through column experiments, we tested the effects of solution chemistry, grain size, and clinoptilolite pretreatment on particle release and hydraulic conductivity. Permeability reduction occurred not in the clinoptilolite itself but only in finer-grained sand down-gradient of the clinoptilolite. Solutions of high ionic strength inhibited particle release and prevented clogging. Clinoptilolite of larger grain size produced slightly less particle release and clogging. Two pretreatments of the clinoptilolite, rinsing to remove fine particles and calcining to improve strength, reduced particle release and clogging. Calcining, however, significantly reduced the strontium binding strength of the clinoptilolite.