Effective removal of uranium ions from drinking water using CuO/X zeolite based nanocomposites: effects of nano concentration and cation exchange

For the first time, effects of CuO nanoparticles concentration (from 1 to 24.2 wt%) in CuO/NaX nanocomposite and replacing various cations (Ag⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) with Na⁺ ions in NaX zeolite on removal of uranium ions from drinking water are reported. The removal of uranium was performed under natural conditions of pH, laboratory temperature and the presence of competing cations and anions that are available in tap water of Isfahan city. Characterization of parent NaX zeolite and modified samples were investigated using X-ray fluorescence, X-ray powder diffraction patterns, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy methods. Using Langmuir, Freundlich, and C-models, isotherms of equilibrium adsorption were studied. Results show the removal efficiency and distribution coefficient of NaX zeolite decrease in the presence of other competing anions and cations that exist in drinking water. But, modification of NaX zeolite with various cations and CuO nanoparticles might enhance the ability of X zeolite in removing uranium from drinking water.