Preparation of a zeolite NaP1/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite and study of its behavior as inorganic fertilizer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A number of inorganic fertilizers have been used as a slow-release fertilizer for plants but control of release rates of nutrient ions can be difficult. We have prepared a novel slow-release inorganic fertilizer consisting of zeolite NaP1/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite containing the following nutrient ions: 17.4 mg g-1 of ammonium ion, 54.6 mg g-1 of potassium ion and 24.1 mg g-1 of phosphate ion. The release behavior of nutrient ions were evaluated in distilled water. RESULTS: Zeolite NaP1 was synthesized from coal fly ash by alkaline hydrothermal treatment. The zeolite surfaces were then covered with hydroxyapatite needle-like crystals of about 200 nm diameter by a hydrothermal ..