Sorption of uranium from aqueous solutions using palm-shell-based adsorbents: a kinetic and equilibrium study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Uranium contamination poses significant environmental and health risks.
• Developing cost-effective adsorbents for uranium removal is crucial for water remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of palm shell powder-based adsorbents for U(6+) sorption.
• To analyze the adsorption mechanisms and kinetics using various models.
• To evaluate adsorbent performance in batch and fixed-column systems.

Main Methods:

• Batch and fixed-column adsorption experiments were conducted.
• Isotherm models (e.g., Langmuir) and kinetic models (e.g., pseudo-second order) were applied.
• Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG(0)) were calculated to determine the adsorption mechanism.

Main Results:

• Adsorption capacities exceeded 200 mg/g for all tested adsorbents.
• Physisorption was identified as the dominant mechanism for uranium adsorption.
• Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models accurately fitted the breakthrough curves in column studies.

Conclusions:

• Modified and activated palm shell powder shows excellent potential as a low-cost adsorbent for uranium removal.
• The study provides valuable insights into the adsorption behavior and mechanism of uranium on biomass-based materials.
• Optimized adsorbents and column configurations can effectively treat uranium-contaminated water.