UTILIZATION OF ARAL SEA SAPROPELS IN SORBENT DEVELOPMENT FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Degradation of water quality caused by heavy metals, dyes, petroleum products, and nutrients poses a persistent threat to public health and the environment. The search for low-cost, efficient, and environmentally friendly sorbents has intensified, particularly in regions suffering from ecological crises. Sapropels—organic-mineral sediments formed in freshwater or brackish water bodies—represent a promising natural material with favorable composition and physicochemical characteristics. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing sapropels collected from the Aral Sea region for the development of sorbents aimed at removing pollutants from wastewater. Laboratory experiments were conducted to characterize sapropel structure, optimize thermal and chemical activation methods, and test adsorption performance for heavy metals (Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺), dyes (methylene blue), and ammonium ions. Results demonstrated substantial increases in sorption capacity following activation, with thermally activated sapropels showing the highest efficiency due to enhanced porosity and surface area. The study concludes that Aral-region sapropels can serve as low-cost, eco-friendly sorbents for wastewater treatment, supporting sustainable environmental remediation in Central Asia.