UO22+, Tl+, Pb2+, Ra2+, Bi3+ and Ac3+ adsorption onto polyacrylamide-zeolite composite and its modified composition by phytic acid

Abstract

The adsorption of naturally occurring radionuclides (UO22+, Tl+, Pb2+, Ra2+, Bi3+ and AC(3+)) onto zeolite (Z) and polyacrylamide-zeolite composite (PAA-Z) and its modified composition by phytic acid (Z-Phy and PAA-Z-Phy) were investigated. Adsorption parameters were derived from the Langmuir and Freundlich fits to adsorption isotherms of the ions studied. The adsorption isotherms were of L and H types. The adsorption capacity of Z decreased by PAA inclusion, but the Phy modification of PAA-Z increased the capacity back to that of Z. The Phy modification made the adsorption spontaneity at least ten times better than in the absence of Phy. This investigation showed that the zeolite, as one of the most abundant natural materials and commonly used adsorbent can also be used for the removal of UO22+ and, in the PAA-Z form, of the studied radionuclides. The usage of Z, as PAA-Z and its Phy modification provide research materials which possess adequate practicality and effectiveness in studies of adsorption.