Dr. Yeatts,
Zeolites are quite interesting. I read a book by Linus Pauling, Ph.D. where he discussed Zeolites (amongst many other things chemistry), and there is binding to various metals. This is my understanding of Zeolites.
Zeolites chemically are aluminosilicates that contains a rigid framework formed by aluminum, silicon, and oxygen atoms. These elements are tightly bound in a honeycomb shape with a sodium ion loosely bound. Therefore, there is an ion exchange that occurs with other elements that exist as cations, e.g., calcium, magnesium, iron, and various heavy metals.
Remember, in Module #5, we showed how mercury, lead, cadmium, etc. are positively charged elements. Therefore, through ion exchange in an Zeolite that can bind to negatively charge oxygen and silica complex. The big question with any binder is how tightly things bind which is determined by the chemical nature of the compound, its stereochemisty, the individual nature of the toxin, and other competing factors.
Sincerely,
Dr. Woeller
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