Clinoptilolite (a natural zeolite) is a proven ion-exchange and adsorption mineral used in industrial and environmental systems to help remove ammonium (NH₄⁺) and many dissolved metal ions from water. ScienceDirect
If you’re managing runoff, groundwater, process water, or construction-site stormwater, clinoptilolite can be integrated as a reactive media layer inside erosion/sediment controls to add pollutant capture—not just particle trapping.
Including clinoptilolite in organic-based barriers adds a pollutant-removal effect that can help runoff meet discharge demands.
What it does...
1) Heavy metal capture
Clinoptilolite’s 3d molecular structure carries a negative framework charge that attracts and traps positive ions. In practice, this makes it useful as a reactive medium in treatment systems targeting dissolved inorganic contaminants, including many heavy-metal ions. PMC+NCBI
2) Ammonia capture
Ammonium is one of the most established use-cases for clinoptilolite in water treatment. It has been utilized as a reactive media for contaminated water/groundwater scenarios involving ammonium and heavy metals. ScienceDirect
3) VOC / hydrocarbon adsorption
Unmodified clinoptilolite has a natural negative polar charge, so nonpolar VOCs may require surface modification (e.g., surfactant-modified) to further enhance adsorption of hydrocarbons and VOC compounds. ScienceDirect
Why it works...
Most erosion and sediment controls are designed to catch solids. But many compliance requirements include dissolved elements: ammonia, metals, and other inorganics that are contained in water, even when turbidity is acceptable.
Clinoptilolite adds an increased pollutant-control feature to treatment designs, ideal for contaminated water, where water flows through a reactive media and contaminants are removed along the way. ScienceDirect
EPA guidance also recognizes surface-applied blanket-style BMPs (e.g., compost blankets) as effective erosion and sediment controls; clinoptilolite can be blended as a functional amendment inside comparable “blanket/sock/filter” approaches to add pollutant capture capacity. EPA
Practical ways to incorporate clinoptilolite on-site
Filter socks, wattles, and berms
How it works: Water passes through; sediment is physically filtered; clinoptilolite provides reactive ion-exchange sites for dissolved ammonia and heavy metals.
Where it fits
Inlet protection around storm drains and catch basins
Perimeter control along slopes and staging areas
Check points below stockpiles (soil, ash, fines) and washout zones
Reactive media layer inside swales / ditches / trench drains
How it works: Granulated clinoptilolite functions a selective sponge for toxins like heavy metals, ammonia, and some VOCs. This is especially valuable for ammonia-prone runoff or metal-bearing runoff (roads, industry & construction).
Blanket-style surface applications for slope stabilization
Clinoptilolite can be blended into erosion-control blankets/mats or applied as a thin reactive layer beneath a blanket on high-risk slopes to target dissolved pollutants in sheet flow (design depends on slope, flow, and required shear resistance). EPA
VOC/hydrocarbon-focused zones
For petroleum-impacted stormwater or VOC-leaning organics, specify modified clinoptilolite in targeted areas (e.g., near fueling, maintenance pads, loading bays), since modification is often key to boosting VOC adsorption performance. ScienceDirect
Design notes that matter in the real world
Match particle size to hydraulics: Finer media increases the reaction rate but can reduce permeability; coarser media preserve flow but may slow the reaction rate. PRB research commonly evaluates clinoptilolite as a permeable reactive media in mixed granular packs to balance flow and reactivity. PubMed
Chemistry controls performance: pH, competing ions (Na⁺/Ca²⁺/K⁺), and influent loading determine capacity—especially for metals and ammonium. Reviews on natural zeolite modification and applications emphasize tailoring treatment to the target contaminant mix. PMC
Plan for replacement/disposal: Like activated carbon or resin, clinoptilolite is a working media—it captures contaminants, then must be replaced or regenerated depending on the application and regulatory requirements.
Where do clinoptilolite-based erosion controls work best?
Construction stormwater where dissolved pollutants are a concern.
Industrial yards, scrapyards, and legacy sites with metal-impacted runoff.
Agricultural or organic-loading runoff where ammonia is a recurring issue.
Municipal drainage, including roads, stormwater runoff, and drainage systems.