Application of zeolites in aquaculture industry: a review

Abstract

Zeolites are microporous crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates, which have found various applications because of their very unique physicochemical characteristics such as ion exchange and adsorption–desorption properties. Significant progress has been made in recent years on applications of these inorganic adsorbents in different industries including agriculture, aquaculture, water and wastewater treatment, air purification and petrochemicals. This review article intends to summarize the published reports on the applications of natural, synthetic and modified zeolites in aquaculture industry. Application of zeolitic materials for water quality improvement of fish farms and fish transportation tanks by selective capturing of ammonia and toxic heavy metals and zeolite application as feed additive to enhance fish growth and promote their health and nutritional parameters are the most important discussed areas. According to the technical data that are discussed in this review, natural and synthetic zeolites should be considered as materials with tremendous potential of applications in the aquaculture industry. Considerable amounts of research works are under way to explore other opportunities for application of zeolites to benefit aquaculture industry.