Removal of Metals and Radionuclides Using Apatite and Other Natural Sorbents
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 6
Abstract
Treatment of waste water for removal of low levels of actinides, particularly plutonium, uranium, and americium, and hazardous metals has been and continues to be a challenge. This study evaluated the use of apatite and other natural materials for use as sorbents to treat water streams containing As, Am, Pu, Se, Tc, and U. Nine sorbents were tested including natural and synthetic apatites, tri-calcium phosphate, bone char, and activated magnetite. The sorption properties were tested in batch studies and in column tests. There was moderate sorption of As, Se, Sr, Cs, and Tc, but very good removal of U and Pu by the phosphate adsorbents. The Am results were inconclusive. The synthetic apatites had higher capacities than the natural apatites from phosphate rock and fish bones.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 129 • Issue 6 • June 2003
Pages: 492 - 499
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 11, 2002
Accepted: Aug 1, 2002
Published online: May 15, 2003
Published in print: Jun 2003
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