Laboratory batch experiments were conducted to investigate the sorption of nitrate from aqueous solutions using hydrothermally synthesized and surface modified zeolite nano particles. The ability of surface modification with hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium (HDTMA) and Dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium (ADOD) greatly enhance the sorption and slow release of nitrate. The slow release tendency of the modified materials has also been studied through Thin Layers in Funnels and Soil Column Analytical Test. The synthesized materials were characterized by different instrumental techniques viz. X-ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM, EDS, TEM, and TGA.
IntroductionThe demand of food grain is increasing at an alarming rate due to increasing population and decreasing cropping area. In order to meet the increasing global food demand, it is essential to increase the productive capacity of existing agricultural lands minimizing the yield losses due to pest and weeds, and through applying appropriate nutrients at proper times to the crops. This is to be done in an eco-friendly manner to assure that the crop yield per unit area is increased and the environment is conserved and not degraded. In this regards, agrochemicals have become a necessary evil in augmenting agriculture production and the environment. The increasing use of agrochemicals ultimately results in serious health and environmental problems which must be addressed to minimize the harmful effects. When these chemicals are applied to soil, only a small portion is utilized leaving behind the reserves M. Behnassi et al. (eds.), Sustainable Agricultural Development,
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