Recovery of Sodium Sulphate from Effluent Generated from Zeolite Y synthesis

Authors

  • Kabiru Musa Aujara Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Collage of Science and Technology, Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, Nigeria Author
  • Abubakar Ali Ibrahim Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Collage of Science and Technology, Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, Nigeria Author
  • Abdulkarim Salawu Ahmed Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Author
  • Olusegun Ayoola Ajayi Department of Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria Author
  • Ibrahim Abubakar Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Collage of Science and Technology, Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, Nigeria Author
  • Abdulkadir Abdulmalik Department of Chemistry, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso Collage of Advance and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada, Kano State, Nigeria Author

Keywords:

Nanofiltration, Zeolite, Membrane, Effluent, pH equalization

Abstract

Zeolite production starting from raw kaolin is water intensive process. The process consists of six basic steps: Beneficiation of the raw kaolin, Calcination of beneficiated kaolin to produce metakaolin, dealumination of metakaolin to separate silica from alum, production of aluminum hydroxide from the alum, production of sodium silicate and production of zeolite. In this work, microfiltration, pH equalization and Nanofiltration (NF) were employed in the treatment of the effluent generated in the zeolite plant. Using NF3012 membrane element, the sodium sulphate solution in the effluent was concentrated and collected as retentate and also fresh water (permeate) was generated for reuse in the process. The concentrated solution was further crystallized by evaporation to produce anhydrous sodium sulphate. About 69.6 % of the wastewater recovered as permeate of the NF, and its quality is within the Nigerian industrial standard of water quality. High purity sodium sulphate was also recovered in form of thernadite, based on XRD and XRF results it is 98.1 % thernadite other solids impurities constituted of 1.9 %. The incorporation of microfiltration in the treatment process contributed a lot in improving the product quality in addition to minimizing the tendency of NF membrane fouling. The treatment of the effluents reduces their negative effects on human and the environment. It also generates fresh water and sodium sulphate for reuse. This could contribute towards achieving the objective of sustainable consumption of minerals and water.

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References

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Published

2026-04-02

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)

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Articles

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How to Cite

Aujara, K. M., Ibrahim, A. A., Ahmed, A. S., Ajayi, O. A., Abubakar, I., & Abdulmalik , A. (2026). Recovery of Sodium Sulphate from Effluent Generated from Zeolite Y synthesis. International Journal Of Research And Technopreneurial Innovations, 1(1), 78-84. https://ijrti.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/22

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