Removing Chlorine-Containing Organic Compounds in the Environment After Floods

This paper presents results of research on the use of natural materials such as zeolites (mordenite and clinoptilolite) as sorbents and as promising materials for protecting flood-prone areas after a flood. Floods transfer large amounts of inorganic and organic water pollutants, creating huge ecological problems in the lower river regions, where human settlements and agriculture are vulnerable to floods. Floods carry bacteria, viruses and parasites, as well as chemicals, along with organic substances that are especially dangerous, e.g., chlorine-containing compounds such as pesticides, solvents, and petroleum-based products. Diseases such as dysentery, hepatitis and giardiasis can be transferred through water sources used by the population that have been contaminated by floodwaters. The paper offers a method of sorption treatment, using natural Armenian zeolites. The advantages of natural zeolites in comparison with other sorbents, include their stability, low cost, availability and filtering properties.