Removal of cerium(III) species from solutions using granulated zeolites

The possibility of the use of granulated zeolites for the removal of cerium(III) species from solutions labelled with cerium-141 radioisotope, has been investigated. Measurements of cerium(III) species in solutions and of the distribution of cerium(III) species in column fillings (granulated zeolites), after passing the solution through columns filled with various granulated zeolites have shown that cerium(III) ions can be effectively removed from weakly acidic solutions using granulated mordenite. The influence of pH, of the concentration of cerium(III) ions in solution and of the flow rate of the solution through the column on the efficiency of cerium(III) species removal and on the distribution of cerium(III) species in the column has been investigated. The mechanism of exchange of cerium(III) ions from solution with sodium ions from granulated zeolites has been discussed.