Abstract:
Sorption isotherm studies were performed utilizing the batch technique to get equilibrium information for removal of Uranium and Gadolinium from aqueous solution using sonicated emulsion polymer synthesized by ultrasonic irradiation technique. Equilibrium sorption datum was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The Langmuir model fit the obtained sorption data well as moderately indicated by the correlation coefficients R2. Thermodynamic parameters of the studied sorption processes were calculated. The numerical value of ΔGo decreases with an increase in temperature, indicating that the sorption reaction of each ion is more favorable at a higher temperature. The positive values of ΔHo correspond to the endothermic nature of the sorption processes. The maximum capacity of Uranium ion was found to be higher than that Gadolinium ion.
Different fixed bed variables were tested for the removal of each Uranium and Gadolinium utilizing sonicated emulsion polymer. The breakthrough characteristics of the resin were studied at various ions concentration (50, 100 and 150 mg/L), bed heights (7, 9 and 11 cm) and feed flow rates 2.3 and 6 mL/min for Uranium and Gadolinium ions. The Bed depth service time model has been used to describe the dynamic sorption of Uranium and Gadolinium and the critical bed depth have been calculated. The influence of the eluent type on the desorption of column has been investigated and exhibit that HNO3 has a greater effect more than HCl for Uranium and Gadolinium ions with an elution efficiency of 98.0%. Results indicated that sonicated emulsion polymer can be used effectively as an ion exchange for the continuous removal of Uranium and Gadolinium ions from aqueous solutions in large-scale operations.
Keywords: Sonicated emulsion polymer, Uranium and Gadolinium, Fixed bed column, Thermodynamics.
Ahmed Mohamed El-kamash, Emad Hassan Borai, Mahmoud Goneam Hamed and Mohamed Mahmoud Abo-Aly