Characterización de la zeolita natural de Palmarito de Cauto y su valoración como intercambiador iónico.

The objective of the investigation was to evaluate the capacity of natural zeolite from Palmarito de Cauto as ionic exchanger. This zeolite was characterized by completing chemical, roentgenographic and thermal analyses. The crystal chemical formula of the mineral was also obtained based on volume of unit cells and density. The results indicate that the peculiarity of the modernite allows the extraction of Cr(III) and Cr(IV). The theoretical capacity for ionic exchange was demonstrated in practice using the wastes from the fibrocement plant of Santiago de Cuba. The concentration of chrome in these wastes exceeds the established standards for discharge to the ecosystem of the coast. It was concluded that the zeolite from Palmarito de Cauto can be used for removing the chrome contained in industrial wastes, which leads to a reduction in the pH of the wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]