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Uranium removal from aqueous solution by coir pith: equilibrium and kinetic studies
Harshala Parab1, Shreeram Joshi, Niyoti Shenoy
13-237-S, Analytical Chemistry Division, Modular Labs., Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
Bioresource Technology
|March 1, 2005
Summary
Coir pith effectively adsorbs uranium from aqueous solutions. This abundant, low-cost adsorbent shows significant potential for uranium removal, with optimal performance at pH 4.3 and 317 K.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Adsorption Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Uranium contamination poses environmental and health risks.
- Effective and economical methods for uranium removal are needed.
- Coir pith, a natural agricultural waste, is explored as a potential adsorbent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the basic aspects of uranium adsorption by coir pith.
- To evaluate the influence of experimental parameters on uranium uptake.
- To assess the suitability of coir pith for uranium removal from aqueous solutions.
Main Methods:
- Batch equilibration experiments were conducted.
- Parameters studied included pH, adsorbent dosage, time, temperature, and uranium concentration.
- Adsorption equilibrium was modeled using Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms.
- Adsorption kinetics were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Maximum uranium adsorption occurred in the pH range of 4.0-6.0.
- Equilibrium data fitted well to both Freundlich and Langmuir models.
- Optimal adsorption capacity was observed at pH 4.3, 317 K, and 800 mg/l initial uranium concentration.
- Adsorption kinetics followed a second-order model.
- 0.2 N HCl was effective for uranium desorption.
Conclusions:
- Coir pith is a suitable adsorbent for uranium removal from aqueous solutions.
- The naturally abundant coir pith demonstrates considerable potential for environmental remediation.
- This low-cost adsorbent offers a promising solution for uranium contamination issues.