Solid phase extraction of hexavalent chromium by Mannich base polymer wrapped flower-like layered double hydroxide

In the present work, synthesis of polymer wrapped flower-like MgAl layered double hydroxide was done through condensation of 1,4 phenylenediamine and resorcinol by p-formaldehyde. The nanocomposite was characterised with X-ray diffraction analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques and employed for effective adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometer determination. Optimum level of effective parameters (pH, reaction time and adsorbent dosage) and their interaction was determined by response surface methodology. To investigate applicability of method for trace heavy metal adsorption, the method was employed for preconcentration of Cr(VI) in water samples. At the optimum conditions, pH = 4.5, shaking time of 15 min and adsorbent dosage of 20 mg, analytical performance of the method was evaluated and results showed that calibration curve is linear in the concentration range of 2–100 μg L^?1. Moreover, limit of detection was 0.22 µg L^?1 and relative standard deviation of six replicate experiments at initial concentration of 0.1 mg L^?1 was 3.3%. Isotherm study showed that Freundlich model can better describe adsorption behaviour as well as the sorbent showed the adsorption capacity of 62.5 mg g^?1. Moreover, thermodynamic study revealed that chromate adsorption was spontaneous and followed the endothermic path. Regeneration of sorbent was performed using 1.0 mol L^?1 of NaOH solution. The sorbent was employed for Cr(VI) determination from food additives and seawater samples.     

Hexavalent chromium quantification in solution: Comparing direct UV–visible spectrometry with 1,5-diphenylcarbazide colorimetry

Quantification of Cr(VI) in an aqueous solution is conducted by direct UV–visible spectrophotometry based on the yellow coloring of the chromate ion. Measurements show that absorption follows the Beer–Lambert law over a wide range of concentrations. At pH below the pK_a of 6.4 (HCrO₄^?/CrO₄^?2), the absorption maximum lies at 350 nm wavelength and the linear range spans from 0.5 to 100 mg Cr(VI)/L; above the pK_a (pH 6.4), the absorption maximum is 373 nm and linearity occurs in the range of 0.5–25 mg/L. The wide range of validity of the Beer–Lambert law is advantageous for the measurement of concentrated samples. The standard method of analysis of aqueous Cr(VI) is by colorimetry with the 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC)–Cr(VI) complex. This method, although very sensitive, bears a narrow range of linearity from 0 to 0.8 mg Cr(VI)/L. It is shown that when analyzing Cr(VI) solutions with concentrations in the range of 30–500 mg/L, the DPC method gives inaccurate results and relative standard deviations of 20–50%. This is due to high dilution factors. On the contrary, the direct method performs with high accuracy. Relative standard deviation is only 0.5% at 500 mg Cr(VI)/L. The direct method is fast, reliable, and nondestructive for the sample. The direct method is recommended for the quantification of Cr(VI) at concentrations greater than 1 mg/L.     

Highly efficient adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution by Fe3+ impregnated biochar

Biochar (BC) has been widely used as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of contaminants from water and soil. However, the adsorption ability of BC towards heavy metal oxyanions (e.g., Cr(VI)) is relatively low due to the negatively charged surface of BC. In this study, pristine BC was impregnated with Fe³⁺ to improve its Cr(VI) adsorption capability. Fe³⁺-impregnated BC (Fe³⁺-BC) was successfully synthesized by a simple impregnation method and used for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Various factors affecting the adsorption, such as impregnation ratio, pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, and the presence of humic acid, were investigated in detail. Results showed that Fe³⁺-BC had strong adsorption ability to Cr(VI) with a maximum adsorption capacity of 197.80 mg/g, which were not only significantly higher than that of the pristine BC, but also were superior to many previously reported adsorbents. It was favorable for Cr(VI) adsorption under the condition of acidic and high temperature. The adsorption data obeyed Sips and Langmuir isotherms and the kinetic data were well described by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The results herein revealed that the Fe³⁺-impregnated BC had a good potential as a highly efficient material for adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution.     

Sorption study of uranium from aqueous solution on ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3

The ability of ordered mesoporous carbon CMK-3 has been explored for the removal and recovery of uraium from aqueous solutions. The textural properties of CMK-3 were characterized using small-angle X-ray diffraction and N₂ adsorption–desorption, and the BET specific surface area, pore volume and the pore size were 1143.7 m²/g, 1.10 cm³/g and 3.4 nm. The influences of different experimental parameters such as solution pH, initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength and temperature on adsorption were investigated. The CMK-3 showed the highest uranium sorption capacity at initial pH of 6.0 and contact time of 35 min. Adsorption kinetics was better described by the pseudo-second-order model and adsorption process could be well defined by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters, ?G°(298 K), ?H° and ?S° were determined to be ?7.7, 21.5 k J mol^?1 and 98.2 J mol^?1 K^?1, respectively, which demonstrated the sorption process of CMK-3 towards U(VI) was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorbed CMK-3 could be effectively regenerated by 0.05 mol/L HCl solution for the removal and recovery of U(VI). Complete removal (99.9 %) of U(VI) from 1.0 L industry wastewater containing 15.0 mg U(VI) ions was possible with 2.0 g CMK-3.     

Removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions using nanoporous ZnO prepared with microwave-assisted combustion synthesis

The adsorption of the uranyl ions from aqueous solutions on the nanoporous ZnO powders has been investigated under different experimental conditions. The adsorption of uranyl on nanoporous ZnO powders were examined as a function of the contact times, pH of the solution, concentration of uranium(VI) and temperature. The ability of this material to remove U(VI) from aqueous solution was followed by a series of Langmuir and Freunlinch adsorption isotherms. The adsorption percent and distribution coefficient for nanoporous ZnO powders were 98.65 % ± 1.05 and 7,304 mL g^?1, respectively. The optimum conditions were found as at pH 5.0, contact time 1 h, at 1/5 Zn²⁺/urea ratio, 50 ppm U(VI) concentration and 303 K. The monomolecular adsorption capacity of nanoporous ZnO powders for U(VI) was found to be 1,111 mg g^?1 at 303 K. Using the thermodynamic equilibrium constants obtained at different temperatures, various thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°, have been calculated. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH° = 28.1 kJ mol ^?1, ΔS° = 160.30 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔG° = ?48.54 kJ mol^?1) showed the endothermic and spontaneous of the process. The results suggested that nanoporous ZnO powders was suitable as sorbent material for recovery and adsorption of U(VI) ions from aqueous solutions.     

Polyacrylonitrile/Aminated Polymeric Nanosphere Nanofibers as Efficient Adsorbents for Cr(VI) Removal

In this work, polyacrylonitrile/aminated polymeric nanosphere (PAN/APN) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning of monodispersed aminated polymeric nanospheres (APNs) for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Characterization results showed that obtained PAN/APNs possessed nitrogen functionalization. Furthermore, the adsorption application results indicated that PAN/APN nanofibers exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 556 mg/g at 298 K for Cr(VI) removal. The kinetic data showed that the adsorption process fits the pseudo-second order. A thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) was spontaneous and endothermic. The coexisting ions Na⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻ had little influence on Cr(VI) adsorption, while SO₄²⁻ in solution dramatically decreased the removal performance. In the investigation of the removal mechanism, relative results indicated that the adsorption behavior possibly involved electrostatic adsorption, redox reaction and chelation. PAN/APN nanofibers can detoxify Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and subsequently chelate Cr(III) on its surface. The unique structure and nitrogen functionalization of PAN/APN nanofibers make them novel and prospective candidates in heavy metal removal.     

Polyvinyl alcohol fibers with functional phosphonic acid group: synthesis and adsorption of uranyl (VI) ions in aqueous solutions

PVA functionalized with vinylphosphonic acid was prepared as a new adsorbent for uranyl (VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions. The vinylphosphonic acid was cografted onto PVA fibers by preirradiation grafting technique. The adsorbent were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adsorbent was observed to possess a fibrous structure and was bonded with phosphonic acid groups successfully. The adsorbent was used for the adsorption of low levels uranyl (VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The influence of analytical parameters including pH, adsorption time, amount of adsorbent, metal ion concentration, and temperature were investigated on the recovery of uranyl (VI) ion in aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity (32.1 mg g^?1) and fast equilibrium time (30 min) were achieved at pH of 4.5 at room temperature. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH° = 2.695 kJ mol^?1; ΔS° = 31.15 J mol^?1 K^?1; ΔG° = ?6.748 kJ mol^?1) show the adsorption of an exothermic process and spontaneous nature, respectively. The possible coordination mechanism was illustrated. Adsorption and desorption coexist in aqueous solutions and then the system becomes equilibrium.     

Comparative Study of Chromium Biosorption by Mesorhizobium amorphae Strain CCNWGS0123 in Single and Binary Mixtures

The appearance of chromium in the aqueous effluent is a major concern for the modern industry. In this work, Mesorhizobium amorphae strain CCNWGS0123 was investigated as a biosorbent to remove chromium from aqueous solutions. The optimum pH for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) biosorption were 4 and 2, respectively. This isolate showed an experimental maximum Cr(III) adsorption capacity of 53.52 mg?L^?1, while the result was 47.67 mg?L^?1 for Cr(VI), with an initial 100 mg?L^?1 Cr ions and 1.0 g?L^?1 biomass. In terms of time equilibrium, Cr(III) ion was more readily adsorbed than Cr(VI) by this isolate. The biosorption data of both ions fit the Langmuir isotherm better than that of Freundlich model. Meanwhile, this organism exhibited a good capability to release Cr ions, with desorption efficiency of 70 % for Cr(III) and 76 % for Cr(VI). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that –OH, –COO, –NH, amide I, and C=O were involved in Cr(III) and Cr(VI) binding. The biosorbent was further characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, which indicated an accumulation of chromium on the cellular level. In the binary mixtures, the removal ratio of total Cr and Cr(III) increased from pH?2 to 4. The highest removal ratio of the total Cr was observed in the 25/25 mg?L^?1 mixture at pH?4. In addition, the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was closely influenced by Cr(III) in the mixture, decreasing to 23.57 mg?g^?1 in the 100/100 mg?L^?1 mixture system, due to the competition of Cr(III). The potential usage of the chromium-resistant rhizobium for the remediation of chromium-contaminated effluents has been demonstrated based on the above results.     

Preparation and sorption performance of magnetic 18-crown-6/Fe3O4 nanocomposite for uranium(VI) in solution

A new magnetic nanocomposite material, magnetic 18-crown-6/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (MCFN), was prepared for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution. The MCFN was composed of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticales modified by covalent attachment of 18-crown-6, which can help the material to be removed easily from solution by magnetic force. As a new adsorbent for U(VI) removal, MCFN was characterized by infrared radiation, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermal gravimetric analysis. Those factors affecting the sorption behavior of U(VI), such as acidity, temperature, initial concentration of U(VI) and the amount of crown ethers were studied by orthogonal experiments. A maximum U(VI) sorption capacity of 91.12 mg g^?1 was achieved at 45 °C, pH 5.5 for 30 min. The experimental results showed that MCFN had great sorption capacity, high selectivity and strong potentiality of enrichment and recovery for U(VI). In summary, MCFN is a promising candidate for U(VI) separation in future practical applications.     

Synthesis of phosphorus-modified poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) chelating resin and its adsorption properties of uranium(VI)

A new phosphorus-modified poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) chelating resin (PS–N–P) was synthesized by P,P-dichlorophenylphosphine oxide modified commercially available ammoniated polystyrene beads, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The adsorption properties of PS–N–P toward U(VI) from aqueous solution were evaluated using batch adsorption method. The effects of the contact time, temperature, pH and initial uranium concentration on uranium(VI) uptake were investigated. The results show that the maximum adsorption capacity (97.60 mg/g) and the maximum adsorption rate (99.72 %) were observed at the pH 5.0 and 318 K with initial U(VI) concentration 100 mg/L and adsorbent dose 1 g/L. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved in approximately 4 h. Adsorption kinetics studied by pseudo second-order model stated that the adsorption was the rate-limiting step (chemisorption). U(VI) adsorption was found to barely decrease with the increase in ionic strength. Equilibrium data were best modeled by the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters such as ?G ₀, ?H ₀ and ?S ₀ were derived to predict the nature of adsorption. Adsorbed U(VI) ions on PS–N–P resin were desorbed effectively (about 99.39 %) by 5 % NaOH–10 % NaCl. The synthesized resin was suitable for repeated use.     

Removal of toxic hexavalent chromium by polyaniline modified clinoptilolite nanoparticles

In this work clinoptilolite nanoparticles were modified with conducting polyaniline by the polymerization of anilinium cations in and out side of the clinoptilolite channels and a nanocomposite of polyaniline/clinoptilolite was obtained. Cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺...) in the natural clinoptilolite structure were exchanged with anilinium cations by the treatment of clinoptilolite nanoparticles in an acidic solution of aniline monomer. The cation exchange process was confirmed by elemental analysis of nitrogen and carbon atoms of anilinium cations in clinoptilolite dry powder after treatment. The polyaniline/clinoptilolite nanocomposite was obtained by the oxidative polymerization of anilinium cations within the clinoptilolite structure. The polyaniline/clinoptilolite nanocomposite was characterized utilizing FT-IR and X-ray diffraction measurements and was used for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions in chromate anion form as an important water pollutant. The effect of a number of parameters such as initial concentration of Cr(VI), amount of nanocomposite and contact time on the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) by polyaniline/clinoptilolite nanocomposite were determined and optimized. It was found that after 5 min of exposure of nanocomposite powder with Cr(VI) solutions in the concentration range of 25 to 100 ppm, more than 98% of chromate anions can be removed and the Cr(VI) removal capacity per one gram of nanocomposite is about 0.3 mmol of Cr(VI).     

Enhanced Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium onto Magnetic Calcium Ferrite Nanoparticles: Kinetic,Isotherm, and Neural Network Modeling

Calcium ferrite nanoparticles with super-paramagnetic behavior were synthesized via simple chemical precipitation method for effective removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous media. The properties of synthesized nanoparticles were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurements. The ferrite nanoparticles have shown polycrystalline nature and high BET specific surface area (229.83 m²/g) with active functional groups on the surface. The adsorption process follows second-order kinetics with the involvement of intra-particle diffusion and adsorption capacity as much as 124.11 mg/g was determined from the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature. A three-layer feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network (ANN) model was employed to predict the removal (%) of Cr(VI) ions as output. Optimal ANN network (4:8:1) shows the minimum mean squared error (MSE) of 0.00161 and maximum coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.984. The adsorption process is mostly influenced by solution pH and followed by adsorbent dosage, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and contact time as illustrated by sensitivity analysis. With small size and high surface area, biocompatibility, ecofriendly nature, easy magnetic separation, and enhanced adsorption capacity towards Cr(VI), calcium ferrite nanoparticles will find its potential application in wastewater remediation.     

Encapsulation of silica nano-spheres with polymerized ionic liquid for selective isolation of acidic proteins

A nanocomposite is prepared by encapsulating silica nano-spheres with polymerized ionic liquid in aqueous medium without use of any organic solvents. Vinyl groups are covalently introduced on to the surface of silica nano-spheres, which are then encapsulated by copolymerization of 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide (monomer) and 1,4-butanediyl-3,3′-bis-l-vinylimidazolium dibromide (cross-linker) at room temperature. The derived nanocomposite, PIL@SiO₂, provides a green adsorbent for protein sorption. PIL@SiO₂ is selective toward acidic proteins, and its selectivity can be controlled via varying the amount of monomer used in the copolymerization process. At pH 6.0, use of 5 mg PIL@SiO₂ nanocomposite results in a sorption efficiency of up to 95 % for 200 mg L^?1 ovalbumin in 1 mL sample solution. Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between PIL@SiO₂ and protein species dominate the adsorption process. The ovalbumin adsorption behavior is consistent with the Langmuir model, giving a sorption capacity of 333.3 mg g^?1. The retained ovalbumin is recovered by elution with 0.2 % SDS solution. Circular dichroism spectra reveal virtually no change to the α-helix content of ovalbumin after elimination of SDS by use of dialysis. In summary, high-purity ovalbumin is isolated from chicken egg-white by use of the PIL@SiO₂ nanocomposite as adsorbent.     

The kinetic and thermodynamic study of the removal of Cr(VI) ion from aqueous solution by human hair waste

The removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution by human hair waste is investigated by using UV–Vis spectrophotometer technique. The morphological analysis of the human hair was also investigated by the scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The influence of various physicochemical effective parameters such as pH, ionic strength, adsorbent amount, contact time, initial concentration of metal ion on removal of Cr(VI) ions by human hair process was also studied. The optimum conditions for this adsorption process were obtained at pH = 2 and contact time of 150 min while the highest Cr(VI) uptake is recorded for 0.5 g of the adsorbent per 100 ml of solution. Three isotherms models including Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin were applied to describe the equilibrium data. It was found that the experimental data were well described by Freundlich isothermal model. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 11.64 mg g^?1.The thermodynamic study data showed that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) on human hair is an endothermic, spontaneous and physisorption reaction. The kinetics of the adsorption process was studied using three kinetics models including Lagergren-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich model. The obtained data are indicated that the adsorption processes of Cr(VI) over human hair could be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.     

Methylene blue removal from aqueous solution by magnetic clinoptilolite/chitosan/EDTA nanocomposite

In this study, clinoptilolite as a natural zeolite which was magnetized using precipitation of maghemite nanoparticles was coated by chitosan and then modified by thylenediamine tetra-acetic acid to add functional groups and its performance in the removal of toxic methylene blue from aqueous solution was investigated. Synthesized magnetic nanocomposite was characterized by VSM, XRD, SEM, and FTIR analyses. The saturation magnetization of the final nanocomposite was obtained as 22.2 emu/g. In addition, the factors affecting adsorption process and its optimization were investigated using response surface methodology and central composite design. Data obtained by different isotherm, adsorption kinetic and thermodynamic models were also studied. The results showed good agreement of these data with the Freundlich isotherm model (R ² = 0.99), and it was found that adsorption follows the second-order kinetics model (R ² = 1). Negative values of ΔG and positive values of ΔH obtained from this adsorption thermodynamic study revealed that the methylene blue adsorption process is exothermic and spontaneous. The optimum conditions to ensure maximum adsorption efficiency were determined, and included pH = 5.54, adsorbent amount of 0.03 g, temperature of 31.18 °C, and initial solution concentration of 16.21 mg/l which resulted in a removal efficiency of 99.44%. The results indicated that this nanocomposite can be used as a proper adsorbent for adsorbing methylene blue and other dye contaminants.     

Speciation and determination of chromium ions by dispersive micro solid phase extraction using magnetic graphene oxide followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A selective, simple and fast dispersive micro solid phase extraction method using magnetic graphene oxide (GO) as an efficient sorbent has been developed for the extraction, separation and speciation analysis of chromium ions. The method is based on different adsorption behaviour of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) species onto magnetic GO in aqueous solutions which allowed the selective separation and extraction of Cr(VI) in the pH range of 2.0–3.0. The retained Cr(VI) ions by the sorbent were eluted using 0.5 mL of 0.5 mol L^?1 nitric acid solution in methanol and determined by ?ame atomic absorption spectrometry. Total chromium content was determined after the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) by potassium permanganate. All effective parameters on the performance of the extraction process were thoroughly investigated and optimised. Under the optimised conditions, the method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.5–50.0 µg L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.1 µg L^?1 and pre-concentration factor of 200. The relative standard deviations of 3.8% and 4.6% (n = 8) were obtained at 25.0 µg L^?1 level of Cr(VI) for intra- and inter-day analysis, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the speciation and determination of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in environmental water samples.     

Choice of a suitable hetero-aromatic nitrogen base as promoter for chromic acid oxidation of dl-mandelic acid in aqueous media at room temperature

Chromic acid oxidation of dl-mandelic acid in the presence and absence of different promoters has been studied in aqueous media under the kinetic conditions [mandelic acid]_T ? [Cr(VI)]_T and [promoter]_T ? [Cr(VI)]_T at 30 °C. The promoters used in this oxidation reaction, picolinic acid (PA), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), are strong chelating ligands which form complexes with most transition metal ions. The reaction is first-order with regard to [H⁺], [mandelic acid]_T, and [Cr(VI)]_T and also has first-order dependence on [promoter]_T. HCrO₄ ^? was found to be kinetically active in the absence of promoters; in the presence of promoters the Cr(VI)–promoter complexes were believed to be the active oxidants. In this path the Cr(VI)-promoter complex in each case undergoes nucleophilic attack by the mandelic acid to form a ternary complex which subsequently undergoes redox decomposition involving 3e transfer as the rate-determining step. Among the three promoters oxidation is much faster with 1,10-phenanthroline.     

Adsorption of uranium from aqueous solution using biochar produced by hydrothermal carbonization

The ability of biochar produced by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been explored for the removal and recovery of uranium from aqueous solutions. The micro-morphology and structure of HTC were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The influences of different experimental parameters such as solution pH, initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength and temperature on adsorption were investigated. The HTC showed the highest uranium sorption capacity at initial pH of 6.0 and contact time of 50 min. Adsorption kinetics was better described by the pseudo-second-order model and adsorption process could be well defined by the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters, △G°(298 K), △H° and △S° were determined to be ?14.4, 36.1 kJ mol^?1 and 169.7 J mol^?1 K^?1, respectively, which demonstrated the sorption process of HTC towards U(VI) was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorbed HTC could be effectively regenerated by 0.05 mol/L HCl solution for the removal and recovery of U(VI). Complete removal (99.9 %) of U(VI) from 1.0 L industry wastewater containing 15.0 mg U(VI) ions was possible with 2.0 g HTC.     

Sorption study of uranium on carbon spheres hydrothermal synthesized with glucose from aqueous solution

The ability of oxygen-rich carbon spheres (CSs) produced by hydrothermal carbonization with the glucose has been explored for the removal and recovery of uranium from aqueous solutions. The micro-morphology and structure of CSs were characterized by FT-IR and SEM. The influences of different experimental parameters such as solution pH, initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength and temperature on adsorption were investigated. The CSs showed the highest uranium sorption capacity at initial pH of 6.0 and contact time of 25 min. Adsorption kinetics was better described by the pseudo-second-order model and adsorption process could be well defined by the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters, △G°(298 K), △H° and △S° were determined to be ?16.88, 12.09 kJ mol^?1 and 197.87 J mol^?1 K^?1, respectively, which demonstrated the sorption process of CSs towards U(VI) was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorbed CSs could be effectively regenerated by 0.05 mol/L HCl solution for the removal and recovery of U(VI). Complete removal (99.9 %) of U(VI) from 1.0 L industry wastewater containing 15.0 mg U(VI) ions was possible with 3.0 g CSs.     

Adsorptive removal of U(VI) and Th(IV) from aqueous solutions using polymer-based electrospun PEO/PLLA fibrous membranes

Fibrous membranes based on poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(l-lactide) fabricated by electrospinning were evaluated for the first time as substrates for the adsorption of tetravalent thorium (Th(IV)) and hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) from aqueous media. The membranes consisted of microfibers with diameters of approximately 2 μm as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption of Th(IV) and U(VI) on the membrane was investigated as a function of pH, ionic strength and initial metal concentration under normal atmospheric conditions. The experimental data indicated increased affinity of the membrane for Th(IV) and U(VI), which was pH depended and reaches maximum values (>90 %) for Th(IV) and U(VI) at pH 3 and pH 6.5, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity (q _max) at optimum conditions was evaluated from the Langmuir isotherm and was found to amount 50.08 and 9.3 mmol kg^?1 for Th(IV) and U(VI), respectively. In addition, studies on the effect of ionic strength on the adsorption efficiency did not show any significant effect indicating that the adsorption of Th(IV) and U(VI) on the membrane was most probably based on specific interactions and the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes. The significantly higher adsorption efficiency of the membrane for Th(IV) in acidic media (pH ≤ 3) could be utilized for a pH-triggered, selective separation of Th(IV) from U(VI) from aqueous media.