A synopsis of the polyvalent qualities of zeolite-clinoptilolite and the proposed uses within the Namibian medical, pharmaceutical, industrial and economical sectors: A proposal for an integrated research.

Abstract

Zeolites are crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earthmetals with unique properties in cation exchange, adsorption and catalysis. Due to these properties they have been increasingly used in a wide range of applications in industry, environmental protection, agriculture, animal production, veterinary- and human medicine. Their increasing integration in the health sector worldwide with recognized efficacy based on scientific researches, clinical trials and personnel experience of many therapists encouraged the author to write this review. Clinoptilolite, one of the natural zeolites, offers a variety of well documented appliances as medical drug for internal and external use in addition to its utilization as growth promoter in animal feed, potent binder of heavy metals and radionuclides along with ammonium exploited in industries, and the use in filter systems for waste water clearance and building and construction material. Since Namibia provides the climate and geological conditions for deposits containing abundant zeolite, it is worth to look at the options for an efficient exploitation. This could open new markets for the national as well as the international trade.The utilization of zeolites within the fields described in this article would offer inexpensive alternatives to cover some shortfalls in the domains of agriculture, building and construction, environment protection and public health. One objective of this literature study is to explore interdisciplinary cooperative efforts to integrate various available information and reports regarding this multipurpose zeolite material in the activities of Namibian educational and research institutions. Several starting points are addressed particularly in the fields of agriculture, animal sciences, pharmacy and human medicine, how natural zeolites could be incorporated into or combined with existing concepts respectively would contribute to develop new strategies, emphasizing the health sector.