NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC ZEOLITES IN DRINKING WATER TREATMENT: ADSORPTION MECHANISMS, CONTAMINANT REMOVAL, AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

Zeolites have emerged as one of the most promising mineral materials for drinking water treatment due to their unique crystalline structure, high cation exchange capacity, elevated specific surface area, and remarkable adsorption properties. These characteristics enable efficient removal of a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, ammonium, organic compounds, dyes, radionuclides, and several emerging pollutants, while contributing to the physicochemical stability of water treatment systems. This study aimed to critically analyze the scientific evidence regarding the application of natural and synthetic zeolites in drinking water treatment, emphasizing their structural characteristics, adsorption mechanisms, ion-exchange processes, contaminant removal efficiency, and technological applications. A narrative literature review was conducted based on peer-reviewed scientific publications, classical reference books, and technical documents issued by internationally recognized organizations. The analysis demonstrated that zeolites exhibit high versatility due to their microporous aluminosilicate framework, allowing selective adsorption and ion exchange according to contaminant physicochemical properties. Surface modification techniques and the incorporation of functional materials further enhance adsorption performance and broaden potential environmental applications. Recent advances also indicate increasing use of zeolite-based composites in hybrid filtration systems, decentralized water treatment technologies, and sustainable remediation strategies. Despite significant scientific progress, further investigations remain necessary to standardize operational parameters, evaluate long-term stability under real environmental conditions, optimize regeneration processes, and assess large-scale implementation. Overall, the available evidence indicates that zeolites represent highly efficient, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable materials for advanced drinking water treatment, reinforcing their strategic role in future water purification technologies.