Natural zeolites, fields of application in sectors of Colombian economy

In the present work, an analysis of the potential of natural zeolites for use in several economic sectors of Colombian territory has been made. Initially, the role played by this mineral in the economies of countries that have zeolite deposits is described. Subsequently the applications of this mineral in fields such as agriculture, animal feed, environmental remediation, chemical synthesis, gas separation, ceramic materials, among many others are reviewed. Based on that review, certain sectors of the Colombian economy were selected. The basis of the selection was the benefits that the use of zeolites could bring to them. The analysis carried out established that relevant environmental benefits in the air, soil, and water components can be obtained by using natural zeolites in sectors such as the mining and textile industries, and companies that use high temperature combustion processes (higher risk of generating nitrogen, NOx). On the other hand, the implementation of the use of natural zeolites could favourably affect the agricultural sector by generating savings in fertilizers, improvements in animal health, and a faster weight gain in poultry, swine, and cattle for meat.