Interaction of U(VI) with Na-attapulgite in the presence and absence of humic acid as a function of pH, ionic strength and temperature

The interaction of U(VI) with Na-attapulgite was studied by using batch technique at different experimental conditions. The effect of contact time, solid content, pH, ionic strength and temperature on the sorption of U(VI) onto Na-attapulgite in the presence and absence of humic acid was also investigated. The results showed that the sorption of U(VI) on Na-attapulgite achieved sorption equilibrium quickly. Sorption of U(VI) on Na-attapulgite increased quickly with increasing pH at pH < 6.5, and then decreased with pH increasing at pH > 6.5. The sorption curves were shifted to left in low NaClO₄ solutions as compared those in high NaClO₄ solutions. The sorption was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The sorption was dominated by ion exchange or outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH values, and by inner-sphere surface complexation or surface precipitation at high pH values. The thermodynamic parameters (i.e., ΔH ⁰, ΔS ⁰, and ΔG ⁰) for the sorption of U(VI) were calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms, and the results suggested that the sorption reaction was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The Na-attapulgite is a suitable material in the removal and preconcentration of U(VI) from large volumes of aqueous solutions in nuclear waste management.