This work intends the characterization of the natural zeolite clinoptilolite and its capability in removing the ammonia in wastewater. The natural zeolite clinoptilolite was characterized using transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and zeta potential prior to the adsorption process. The results showed that the natural zeolite clinoptilolite possessed the lamellar and needle-like structure thus giving the highest surface area for effective adsorption. The main constituent of the element consisted of natural zeolite clinoptilolite is known to have a high affinity towards ammonia. Additionally, the zeta potential analysis has shown that natural zeolite clinoptilolite is negatively charged in all media pH with the highest negative potential of −30 mV recorded at pH 7 thus, contributing to the highly effective electrostatic interaction with the contaminants’ cations. Consequently, the excellent performance in removing ammonia of up to 82.97 % has revealed that the natural zeolite clinoptilolite has a great potential to be developed as a synergized adsorptive ceramic membrane that is combining the adsorption and the filtration of water simultaneously.
