Zeolite can Absorb Methane and Heavy Metals in Landfills

Zeolites are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals with a high surface area and ion-exchange capabilities, which enable them to trap gases like methane effectively. This makes them useful for controlling landfill emissions. In addition to methane absorption, zeolites offer several other benefits:

1. Contaminant Removal: Zeolites can help remove other toxins from landfill leachate, such as heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), by exchanging these harmful ions with less harmful ones.

2. Ammonia Reduction: They can also adsorb ammonia, which is a common contaminant in landfill leachate.

3. Odor Control: Zeolites can mitigate landfill odors by adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Pretreating Seed Potatoes with Zeolite to Reduce Fungal/Bacterial Diseases

In collaboration with the University of Idaho, we are evaluating the benefits of pretreating/coating seed potatoes with a zeolite solution prior to planting (initial experiments were completed in summer 2022). The results are very promising, and our next step is a field trial in collaboration/partnership with a commercial potato grower.

Potato disease caused by bacteria:

• Potato scab is caused by the bacterium Streptomyces scabies.  S. scabies can also be introduced into soil when infected tubers are used as seed stock.

Potato diseases caused by fungus:

• Rhizoctonia canker or black scurf potato fungus is caused by the fungus.
• Fusarium dry rot is one of the most common potato diseases. It is caused by fungi in the genus Fusarium.
• Potato scurf is an infection of the skin of developing tubers caused by the fungus Helminthosporium solani.
• Black dot disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum coccodes, is generally considered to be a weak root pathogen.

Zeolite Amendment of Soil to Reduce Watering of Plants and Crops

Soil compaction reduces the soil's ability to absorb water and increasing the risk of runoff and erosion. Amending soil with zeolite helps improve drainage of the soil and enhances water retention by improving the soil's capacity to retain water. When soil is amended with zeolite, the result is 1) improved soil drainage, 2) retention of water within the pores of the hollow zeolite crystal structure, and 3) increased depth of the root structure of plants and crops. This results in plants and crops that grow faster and healthier with less watering. The improved drainage and root depth also results in more efficient and improved absorption of fertilizer nutrients and water.

Zeolite as an Aflatoxin Binder in Animal Feed

Aflatoxins and naturally occurring mycotoxins found in animal feed are highly toxic to poultry and livestock, and causes a variety of negative effects, including slower than normal growth & development and increased mortality. Zeolite added as a feed supplement acts as an excellent aflatoxin binder. A preliminary study with pigs and chickens have demonstrated faster growth and development without antibiotics or hormones. Increased milk production in dairy cows was also observed.