Abstract

Nemat Mansouri¹, Kamal Saberyan²* and Mohammad Noaparast³

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/ojc/31.Special-Issue1.34

In this study, optimization of uranium (VI) adsorption process using Triocthylamine (TOA) functionalized magnetite nanoparticles (TOAFMNPs) as a novel adsorbent from synthetic sulfuric acid and real media were investigated. Firstly, this adsorbent was synthesized and characterized. Then the synthetic sulfuric acid solutions were prepared and the effects of different variables affecting uranium adsorption from these solutions were evaluated in detail. The results revealed that the optimal conditions were achieved in pH=5, contact time of 20 min, adsorbent amount of 3 g l^-1 , and  U (VI) initial concentration of 10 mg l^-1. Under these conditions associated elements (Al, Fe, Mg, and V)had negligible effect on uranium adsorption and maximum percentage of U (VI) ions adsorbed by the TOAFMNPS was 94.6%. The maximum adsorption capacity was evaluated as 27.5 mg g^-1 at room temperature. The selective stripping of U (VI) from the loaded TOAFMNPs was obtained by using sulfuric acid. The uranium adsorption process form real sample media was investigated in optimal conditions.The real sulfuric acid solutions used in this study were obtained by leaching of ore deposit of second anomaly of Sag hand mine. At optimum condition 80.8% of U (VI) in pregnant leach solution (PLS) was adsorbed on TOAFMNPs without any interference of other metals. Based on the experiments this novel adsorbent may present potential application in the adsorption of U (VI) in these real solutions.

Uranium (VI); Adsorption; Magnetite nanoparticles; TOA; second anomaly of Saghand mine

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