ADSORPTION OF COPPER AND ZINC IONS BY NATURAL ZEOLITES IN SOIL AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS

ТОПЫРАҚ ЖӘНЕ СУ ЭКОЖҮЙЕЛЕРІНДЕ ТАБИҒИ ЦЕОЛИТТЕР АРҚЫЛЫ МЫС ПЕН МЫРЫШ ИОНДАРЫНЫҢ АДСОРБЦИЯСЫ ЖӘНЕ ОЛАРДЫҢ БИОЛОГИЯЛЫҚ ЖӘНЕ ЭКОЛОГИЯЛЫҚ ӘСЕРІН БАҒАЛАУ

Abstract

In this research, the potential of modified natural zeolites obtained from the Aydag deposit in Azerbaijan to protect living organisms from the harmful effects of heavy metal ions in soil and aquatic environments was experimentally investigated. The results indicate that zeolites modified with monoethanolamine (MEA) can be used as a highly effective agent to mitigate the impact of copper and zinc ions on living organisms in soil and water ecosystems. The adsorption selectivity was determined as Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺. MEA-modified zeolites not only facilitate the removal of metal ions but also play a protective role for microorganisms, plants, and aquatic fauna by maintaining the biological and ecological stability of soil and water ecosystems. This sorbent enables the protection of soil microorganisms (Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus), earthworms and other soil fauna, as well as aquatic plants and microorganisms (zooplankton, phytoplankton) from toxic metal ions. The binding of metal ions to the sorbent surface and their subsequent release reduce their toxic effects on living organisms, thereby contributing to the maintenance of ecosystem functions, including organic matter decomposition, nitrogen fixation, soil fertility, and the preservation of aquatic biogeography. Thus, MEA-modified Aydag zeolites present a promising approach for reducing heavy metal pollution, restoring soil and water environments, expanding biomonitoring capabilities, and supporting the sustainable management of ecosystems from both ecological and biological perspectives.

Keywords: ecology, soil and aquatic ecosystems, reduction of heavy metal toxicity, zeolite, adsorption, protection of microorganisms.