Zeolites and Activated Carbons in Hydroponics: A Systematic Review of Mechanisms, Performance Metrics, Techno-Economic Analysis and Life-Cycle Assessment
Akhmetzhanova D. Sabitov A. Doszhanov Y. Atamanov M. Saurykova K. Zhumazhanov A. Atamanova T. Kerimkulova A. Velasco L.F. Zhumagalieva A. Jandosov J. Doszhanov O.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2025#17Issue 24
The sustainable operation of hydroponic systems depends on maintaining the chemical stability of circulating nutrient solutions and preventing the accumulation of toxic compounds. The accumulation of phytotoxic ammonium, heavy metals, and organic metabolites in recirculating nutrient solutions remains one of the key challenges limiting the efficiency, sustainability, and scalability of hydroponic cultivation. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of zeolites, activated carbons (ACs), and their functionalized and composite forms as key sorbents for nutrient management, contaminant removal, and environmental safety in hydroponic cultivation. Natural zeolites, with their well-defined crystalline structure and high ion-exchange selectivity toward ammonium and heavy metal cations, enable effective NH4+/K+ balance regulation and phytotoxicity mitigation. ACs, characterized by high specific surface area and tunable surface chemistry, complement zeolites by offering extensive adsorption capacity for organic compounds, root exudates, and pesticide residues, thereby extending the operational lifespan of nutrient solutions and improving overall system performance. Further advancements include the integration of zeolites and ACs with two-dimensional (graphene, g-C3N4) and three-dimensional (MOF, COF) frameworks, yielding multifunctional materials that combine adsorption, ion exchange, photocatalysis, and nutrient regulation. Transition-metal modification, particularly with Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Co, introduces redox-active centers that enhance sorption, catalysis, and phosphate stabilization. The comparative synthesis reveals that the combined application of zeolite- and carbon-based composites offers a synergistic strategy for developing adaptive and low-waste hydroponic systems. From a techno-economic and environmental standpoint, the judicious application of these materials paves the way for more resilient, efficient, and circular hydroponic systems, reducing fertilizer and water consumption, lowering contaminant discharge, and enhancing food security. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Relevant studies were identified through Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
2D/3D composites , activated carbon , hydroponic systems , sorption and catalysis , transition-metal functionalization , zeolites
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Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Al-Farabi Ave. 71, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Institute of Combustion Problems, Bogenbay Batyr 172, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Gogol Str., 114, k. 1, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Materials Science, Nanotechnology and Engineering Physics, Satbayev University, Satbayev Str., 22a, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemistry, Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
School of Engineering and Digital Science, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbai Batyr 53, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Automation and Robotics, Almaty Technological University, Tole bi Str. 100, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences
Institute of Combustion Problems
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Department of Materials Science
Department of Chemistry
School of Engineering and Digital Science
Department of Automation and Robotics
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