Behavior of cadmium(II) in irradiated aqueous solutions

Behavior of cadmium(II) in aqueous solutions irradiated by accelerated electrons was studied. A concentration of 8.8 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ of cadmium dissolved from Cd(NO₃)₂ requires dose of 15 kGy to be effectively removed from the system containing 1 × 10⁻² mol L⁻¹ of HCOOK as a scavenger of OH radicals. The positive effect of deaeration with N₂O or N₂ was observed in the range of lower doses. The addition of solid modifiers (bentonite, active carbon, zeolite, Cu₂O, NiO, TiO₂ and CuO) reduced the effectivity of radiation removal of cadmium. Product of irradiation is CdCO₃. On the contrary, in the system with cadmium dissolved from CdCl₂ radiation reduction takes place. Systems contained organic complexants (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid–EDTA, citric acid) were also studied. The solutions of Cd(NO₃)₂ containing initial concentration 2.37 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ of Cd^II were mixed with 3 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ EDTA. In this system the efficient degradation proceeds up to 90% at a dose of 45 kGy with addition of 5 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹ carbonate (pH 10.5). The product of irradiation is CdCO₃. The presence of 1 × 10⁻² mol L⁻¹ of HCOOK in the solution is necessary for radiation removal of cadmium complexed with citric acid (1 × 10⁻³ mol L⁻¹) at pH 8. With increasing concentration of HCOOK (up to 5 × 10⁻² mol L⁻¹) decreases the pH value necessary for the radiation induced precipitation of cadmium. The best result was obtained in the system containing zeolite as a solid modifier.