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Review
. 2025 Mar;32(11):6317-6348.
doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36109-9. Epub 2025 Feb 27.

Harnessing the potential of zeolites for effective fluoride removal from wastewater: a review

Justice Annor Asare  1 , Sikpaam Issaka Alhassan  2 , Lvji Yan  1 , Charles Amanze  3 , Bichao Wu  1 , Haiying Gang  1 , Dun Wei  1 , Yiyun Cao  1 , Haiying Wang  4   5 , Lei Huang  6
Affiliations
Review

Harnessing the potential of zeolites for effective fluoride removal from wastewater: a review

Justice Annor Asare et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Mar.

Abstract

Fluoride contamination in water poses significant health risks, including dental fluorosis, kidney failure, and reduced cognitive function in children. This comprehensive review examines the potential of zeolites for effective fluoride removal from wastewater. Zeolites, crystalline aluminosilicates with unique structural properties, have garnered attention due to their high adsorption capacity, low cost, and environmental compatibility. We discuss various zeolite types (natural, synthetic, and modified) and explore surface modification techniques, including chemical, composite, physical, and biological methods, to enhance fluoride adsorption capacity. Key factors influencing fluoride adsorption, such as pH, temperature, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and competing ions, are analyzed. The review elucidates adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic interactions, ion exchange, Lewis acid-base interactions, and ligand exchange. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms are examined to understand process dynamics and equilibrium behavior. We compare conventional and novel zeolite synthesis methods, highlighting solvent-free approaches for sustainable production. Regeneration potential is assessed, considering environmental impact, cost, and efficiency. While zeolite-based adsorbents show promising results in laboratory settings, we emphasize the need for pilot-scale and full-scale implementations, particularly in treating real industrial wastewater. Future research directions are proposed to develop efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly zeolite-based technologies for fluoride removal.

Keywords: Adsorption; Fluoride; Modifications; Synthesis; Zeolite.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval: Not applicable. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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