2.2.

Preparation and characterization of ICZ

The zeolite (clinoptilolite) samples used in this study were received

from the Go€ rdes region in Manisa of Turkey. The raw sample was ground
by a primary crusher and then sieved to þ45-
35 mesh particle size fractions. These particle size fractions of zeolite
samples were coated by iron using reagent grade FeCl3$6H2O, employing
the method reported by Lai and Chen (2001), Lai et al. (2000). and Kitis et
al. (2007). For modification,
50 g of zeolite was first kept in HCl (1 N) solution at pH 1.0 for
24 h at room temperature, rinsed with distilled and deionized water (DDW)
several times, and then dried at 105 C for 24 h. The dried zeolite sample was
placed in a glass flask and stock solution of
0.5 M Fe(III) was added until all zeolite was soaked in the solution. While
mixing the mixture, NaOH (3 N) was added dropwise until reaching a pH of
about 9.5. After pH adjustment, the mixture was stirred at high speed for 5
min, then it was placed in a temperature- controlled shaker, and it was mixed at
60 ± 1 C, 200 rpm for about
24 h and then dried at 105 ± 1 C for 24 h. The dried material was washed four
to five times and dried at 60 ± 1 C for 24 h again. The coated zeolites were
kept in closed polyethylene bottles at room temperature in the dark (Kitis et
al., 2007).