Synthesis and Ion Exchange Applications of Fly Ash-Derived Zeolite for Hardness Removal

Abstract This study aims to develop a sustainable and low-cost process for synthesizing zeolite from lignite fly ash for water softening and wastewater treatment applications. The primary goal is to convert fly ash, a major industrial waste, into a value-added ion exchange material capable of efficiently removing calcium ions from water. The research focuses on optimizing synthesis parameters and evaluating the ion exchange and regeneration behavior of the prepared zeolite compared with commerci