Project name: Modification of natural zeolite by extractants to enhance its sorption properties for wastewater treatment from heavy metals.

• The purpose of the project: The aim of the project is to develop technologies and experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of using modified natural sorbent based on zeolitefor industrial wastewater treatment.
• Objectives:

1. Systematization, analysis and generalization of factual materials on chemical composition of industrial wastewater and surface water reservoirs;
2. Study of industrial wastewater of Tekeli mining and processing complex on the basis of “TGPK” LLP on the content of heavy metals.
3. Conducting research on the choice of method of modification of natural sorbents and assessment of its sorption capacity after modification.
4. To study the physicochemical and biological state of the treated water. To determine the mechanical strength of the modified sorbent and propose the technology of physical and chemical modification method. Physical methods include ultrasonic pre-treatment of hydrochloric acid and its subsequent activation of natural sorbents.
5. To develop new effective technologies of natural sorbent modification by the method of «solid-phase extractants» and synthesis of organopolymers, as well as with the help of physical method, which consists in the impact of ultrasound on the reagent, which is subsequently treated natural sorbents.
6. Evaluate the possibility of application of modified natural sorbent for treatment and additional treatment of industrial wastewater.
7. To develop and analyze the theoretical basis and effective technology of modified natural sorbent in processes of industrial effluent water treatment from chemical and physical contaminants.
8. Improvement of the technology of neutralization and utilization of the residues of spent sorbents with identification of their further practical use.
9. The developed technology will be recommended at the enterprises of industrial production, as well as for the treatment of discharge solutions and groundwater in ecologically unfavorable regions.

• The idea of the project:

The main idea of this work is aimed, first of all, at improving the ecological situation in the republic by using modified natural sorbents for extraction of heavy metals from industrial discharge waters. Modified sorbents can also be used for heavy metals extraction from technological solutions. The scientific significance of the research, both internationally and nationally, is to obtain new knowledge in the field of development of methods of modification of natural sorbent materials of Kazakhstan and study of their physical and chemical properties.

Consumers of the technology will be national companies and private firms engaged in mining and processing of metal-containing raw materials.

• Expected results:

Practical significance of the results of the work consists in the following:

– acid-alkali activated bentonites possessing high sorption capacity than those in natural conditions were obtained;

– the real possibility of using local raw materials – bentonites in the mining sector of the Republic of Kazakhstan is expanded;

– technogenic transformation of the environment in the areas of functioning of the whole mining and processing industry is reduced;

– the advantage of the developed technology of treatment of industrial wastewater of POF is recognised both by controlling organisations and related enterprises engaged in mining and processing of minerals, as well as environmental protection.

Obtaining regression equations that adequately describe the processes of purification of drinking and waste water from heavy metal ions. Establishment of multifactor dependence of purification efficiency, duration of contact with drinking and waste waters.

-The results obtained during the implementation of the project can be used, in the form of educational material for students, in innovative industrial technologies in the manufacture of cleaners. Upon completion of the project, the research results will be used among potential users, interested scientists and the public. Based on the results of the project study, it is planned to issue a textbook (monograph) and methodological recommendations for the public and for students.