Showing papers in "Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry in 2011"

A review of calixarene applications in nuclear industries

Abstract: Calixarenes has been subject to extensive research in development of many extractants, transporters, stationary phases, electrode ionophores and optical and electrochemical sensors over the past four decades. In this paper, the nuclear applications of calixarenes are summarized in six fields including complexation studies, solvent extraction, membrane transport, chromatography, luminescent and colorimetric applications, and electroanalytical applications. In the first to fourth sections, the extractability, extraction equilibria and extraction constants of lanthanide, actinide and other nuclear waste cations ions, which were subjected to solvent extraction by the macrocyclic ligands, are reviewed. In two last sections, the analytical applications of calixarene complexes towards nuclear waste cations, including spectroscopic and electroanalytic sensors, are discussed. The examples described in this review illustrate the potential of calixarene derivatives in the rapidly growing field of cations recognition in nuclear wastes.

Adsorption of cesium (I) from aqueous solution using oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes

Abstract: Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified by nitric acid solution and then used to study the adsorption of cesium from aqueous solution using a batch technique under ambient conditions. As produced and oxidized MWCNTs were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, Boehm’s titration method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The physical properties of MWCNTs such as functional groups, total number of acid sites and specific surface area were greatly improved after oxidation, and these were responsible for more sorption of cesium from aqueous solution and made them more dispersible in water. The adsorption of cesium ions as a function of contact time, initial concentration of cesium, pH, ionic strength and oxidized MWCNT concentrations was also investigated. The results showed that cesium adsorption percentage strongly depended on the pH value, oxidized MWCNT content and on the solution ionic strength. Kinetic data indicated that the adsorption process achieved equilibrium within 80 min. Equilibrium data for as produced and oxidized MWCNTs was well described by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The dominant mechanism of cesium adsorption on oxidized MWCNTs may be mainly attributed to ion exchange. This study suggests that oxidized MWCNTs can be a promising candidate for the removal of cesium from nuclear waste solution.

The sorption behavior of Cs + ion on clay minerals and zeolite in radioactive waste management: sorption kinetics and thermodynamics

Abstract: In this work, Cs+ ion sorption on some clays and zeolite were investigated. 137Cs was used as a tracer. Activities were measured with a NaI crystal gamma counter. The particle size distribution was determined by a laser sizer. Surface area of the particles were determined by BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller method). Structure analysis was made by using X-ray diffraction. The chemical compositions of the solid samples were determined using a ICAP-OE spectrometer. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were determined. Due to very high uptake results; clay and zeolite can be proposed as a good sorbents in waste management considerations.

Utilization of Slovak bentonites in deposition of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel

Abstract: The basic strategic aims in the field of managing high-level radioactive waste and liquidation of nuclear power plants are all contained in the Energy policy of the Slovak Republic. Its aim is to resolve the concept of the backside of the nuclear energetics fuel cycle—long-term deposition of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel (SNF). The most important form of high-level radioactive waste and SNF long-term deposition is their deposition in deep geological formations created by natural as well as engineering barriers used to isolate the long-lived radionuclides from the biosphere. The basic components of these barriers are clays, of which bentonite is generally referred to as the most suitable clay material. There are a few significant bentonite deposits in the Slovak Republic: Jelsový potok, Kopernica, Lastovce, Lieskovec, Dolna Ves. The review article summarizes the information on geotechnical properties of Slovak bentonites published up-to-date, which is inevitable to know for the intention of their use. It highlights the advantages and shows drawbacks of five Slovak deposits. It suggests further research direction, to draw a thorough hydraulical, microbial and radiation profile of Slovak bentonites.

Characterization of nano-iron oxyhydroxides and their application in UO22+ removal from aqueous solutions

Abstract: The nano-iron oxyhydroxides (α- and γ-FeOOH) were synthesized by using three ferrous and ferric salts (FeSO4, FeCl2, Fe(NO3)3) as iron precursors under alkaline conditions. Morphologies of nano-iron oxyhydroxides were characterized by employing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and specific surface area (SSA) analysis respectively. The occurrence of needle-like shape of nano-goethite and rod-like shape of nano-lepidocrocite were attributed to hydrolysis of Fe3+ cations and/or oxidization of Fe2+ at alkaline conditions in terms of XRD analysis. The N2-BET SSA and BJH (Barrett–Joyner–Halenda) pore size analysis showed that internal SSA of nano-lepidocrocite is higher than that of nano-goethite, although they have similar N2-BET SSAs. The distribution of average pore size of nano-iron oxyhydroxides are higher than that of predominant pore size due to formation of the heterogeneous nanoparticles under the experimental conditions. These nanoparticles possess the high sorption capacity and the strong affinity for contaminants. Application of nano-iron oxyhydroxides in environmental engineering plays an important role to remove a variety of contaminants, such as heavy-metal ions and organic pollutants.

Characterization and properties of zeolite as adsorbent for removal of uranium(VI) from solution in fixed bed column

Abstract: A continuous fixed-bed study was carried out by using zeolite as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of uranium(VI) ions from aqueous solution under the effect of various process parameters such as the pH the bed depth, the flow rate, the presence of salt and the initial U(VI) ion concentration. The U(VI) ion uptake by zeolite increased with initial U(VI) ion concentration and bed height, but decreased as the flow rate increased. The adsorption capacity reached a maximum at pH of 6.0. A shorter breakthrough time was observed in the presence of salt. The experimental data obtained from the breakthrough curves were analyzed using the Thomas model. The BDST model was also applied to predict the service times for other flow rates and initial concentrations. The results showed that the Thomas model was suitable for the description of the whole breakthrough curve, while the data were in good agreement with the BDST model. The columns were regenerated by eluting the bound U(VI) ions with 0.1 mol L−1 NaHCO3 solution after the adsorption studies. After desorption and regeneration with deionized water, zeolite could be reused to adsorb uranium(VI) at a comparable capacity.

Uptake of cesium and strontium by crystalline silicotitanates from radioactive wastes

Abstract: Crystalline silicotitanate inorganic ion exchanger, with a sitinakite structure is candidate material for remediation of aqueous nuclear waste streams. The syntheses of crystalline silicotitanate (CST) and Nb-substituted crystalline silcotitanate (Nb-CST) were carried out under hydrothermal conditions and the products were characterized using techniques viz., XRD, SEM/EDS, DTA/TGA, surface area respectively. Batch experiments were carried out to study the kinetics of uptake of 137Cs and 90Sr, to estimate the decontamination factor (DF) values and distribution coefficients (K d) for the above synthesized CST and Nb-CST samples from actual radioactive waste solutions. The DF values for uptake of Cs and Sr by Nb-CST after 24 h of equilibration was 355 and 136 whereas for CST it was found to be 40 and 176 respectively. The K d values for uptake of Cs and Sr for Nb-CST after 24 h of equilibration was found to be 35,490 and 13,500 mL/g respectively whereas the K d values for uptake of Cs and Sr for CST was found to be 4,025 and 17,525 mL/g respectively. The ion exchange capacity of Nb-CST towards 90Sr and 137Cs was estimated to be 11.8 and 3.2 meq/g respectively whereas the ion exchange capacity of CST towards 90Sr and 137Cs was estimated to be 14.6 and 4.4 meq/g respectively.

Adsorption of indigo carmine from aqueous solution using coal fly ash and zeolite from fly ash

Abstract: Coal fly ash, a waste generated at the Figueira coal-fired electric power plant located in Brazil, was used to synthesize zeolite by hydrothermal treatment with NaOH solution at 100 C for 24 h. The fly ash (FA) and this synthesized zeolite (ZM) that was characterized pre- dominantly as hydroxy-sodalite were used as adsorbents for anionic dye indigo carmine from aqueous solutions. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron acti- vation analysis (INAA) for the determination of As, Co, Fe, La, Mo, Na, Sb, Sc, Sm, Th, U and Zn. Effects of contact time and initial dye concentration were evaluated in the adsorption processes. The kinetics studies indicated that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second order kinetics and that surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion were involved in the adsorption mechanism for both the adsor- bents. The Langmuir isotherm model provided the best correlation of the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 1.48 mg L -1 for FA and 1.23 mg L -1 for ZM. Laboratory leaching and solu- bilization tests conducted to classify this ZM as if was a waste residue according to the Brazilian regulation classi- fied it as a residue non-hazardous and non-inert.

INAA application in the age dynamics assessment of Br, Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Mn, and Na content in the normal human prostate

Abstract: The effect of age on chemical element contents in intact prostate of 64 apparently healthy 13–60 years old men was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for content (mg/kg, dry weight basis) of chemical elements were: Br–31.6 ± 3.2, Ca–2150 ± 160, Cl–12670 ± 675, K–12010 ± 400, Mg–1150 ± 75, Mn–1.56 ± 0.09, and Na–10520 ± 340, respectively. A tendency of age-related increase in Ca content and decrease in Mn content was observed.

Radon concentration in drinking water sources of the Main Campus of the University of Peshawar and surrounding areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract: Radon and its progenies in indoor environment have been identified as the main sources of radiation dose to the people from natural radioactive sources. Presence of radon in drinking water causes radiation related health hazards both through inhalation and ingestion. In this study 36 drinking water samples from taps, boreholes and deep tube wells within the Main Campus of the University of Peshawar and adjoining area were analyzed with RAD7 electronic device for radon content determination. These water samples have a mean, maximum and minimum radon value of 8.8 ± 0.8, 18.2 ± 1.0, and 1.6 ± 0.3 Bq L -1 , respectively. Eleven drinking water samples analyzed have radon levels in excess of the EPA recommended maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq L -1 . These include 89% from tube wells, 8% from tap water, and 50% from shallow boreholes. Radon levels of about 31% of the total samples used by the inhabitants of the study area are higher than the EPA advised level of 11.1 Bq L -1 . The annual effective dose from radon in water due to its ingestion and inhalation per individual has also been estimated. The mean radon concentration and mean annual effective dose due to radon in water of this study have been compared with the mean radon concentration and mean annual effective dose of earlier investigators due to radon in water from different localities of India and Pakistan. The mean annual effective doses of all the samples are lower than the reference level of 0.1 mSv a -1 for drinking water of WHO and EU Council. It has been concluded that drinking water of the study area is generally safe as far as radon related health hazards are concerned with the exception of a few isolated cases. It has been found that radon levels within the region have a positive correlation with depth of the water sources.

Adsorption of uranium from crude phosphoric acid using activated carbon

Abstract: The adsorption of uranium from crude phosphoric acid has been investigated using conventional activated carbons. It was found that treatment with nitric acid oxidized the surface of activated carbon and significantly increased the adsorption capacity for uranium in acidic solutions. The parameters that affect the uranium(VI) adsorption, such as contact time, solution pH, initial uranium(VI) concentration, and temperature, have been investigated. Equilibrium data were fitted to a simplified Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms for the oxidized samples which indicate that the uranium adsorption onto the activated carbon fitted well with Langmuir isotherm than Freundlich isotherm. Equilibrium studies evaluate the theoretical capacity of activated carbon to be 45.24 g kg−1.

Sorption of cesium from water solutions on potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate-modified Agaricus bisporus mushroom biomass

Abstract: In order to gain biosorbent that would have the ability to bind cesium ions from water solution effectively, potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate(II) (KNiFC) was incorporated into the mushroom biomass of Agaricus bisporus. Cesium sorption by KNIFC-modified A. bisporus biosorbent was observed in batch system, using radiotracer technique using 137Cs radioisotope. Kinetic study showed that the cesium sorption was quite rapid and sorption equilibrium was attained within 1 h. Sorption kinetics of cesium was well described by pseudo-second order kinetics. Sorption equilibrium was the best described by Freundlich isotherm and the distribution coefficient was at interval 7,662–159 cm3 g−1. Cesium sorption depended on initial pH of solution. Cesium sorption was very low at pH0 1.0–3.0. At initial pH 11.0, maximum sorption of cesium was found. Negative effect of monovalent (K+, Na+, NH4+) and divalent (Ca2+, Mg2+) cations on cesium sorption was observed. Desorption experiments showed that 0.1 M potassium chloride is the most suitable desorption agent but the complete desorption of cesium ions from KNiFC-modifed biosorbent was not achieved.

Th(IV) adsorption on mesoporous molecular sieves: effects of contact time, solid content, pH, ionic strength, foreign ions and temperature

Abstract: The mesoporous molecular sieves (Al-MCM-41) are synthesized with montmorillonite as silica–alumina source by hydrothermal method. The application of Al-MCM-41 for the adsorption of Th(IV) from aqueous solution is studied by batch technique. The effects of contact time, solid content, pH, ionic strength, foreign ions, and temperature are determined, and the results indicate that the adsorption of Th(IV) to Al-MCM-41 is strongly dependent on pH values but independent of ionic strength. The adsorption isotherms are simulated by D–R and Freundlich models well. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH 0, ΔS 0, ΔG 0) are calculated from the temperature dependent adsorption isotherms at 293, 313 and 333 K, respectively, and the results suggest that the adsorption of Th(IV) on Al-MCM-41 is a spontaneous and endothermic process. Al-MCM-41 is a suitable material for the preconcentration of Th(IV) from large volumes of aqueous solutions.

Behavior and mechanism of Ni(II) uptake on MnO2 by a combination of macroscopic and EXAFS investigation

Abstract: The effects of pH, ionic strength, competing ions and initial metal concentrations on the uptake behavior and mechanism of radioactive Ni(II) onto MnO2 was investigated using a combination of classical macroscopic methods and the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy technique. The results indicated that the uptake of Ni(II) on MnO2 is obviously dependent on pH but independent of ionic strength, which suggested that the uptake of Ni(II) onto MnO2 is attributed to an inner-sphere surface complex rather than an outer-sphere surface complex. EXAFS analysis shows that the hydrated Ni(II) is adsorbed through six-fold coordination with an average Ni–O interatomic distance of 2.04 ± 0.01 A. It can be inferred from the EXAFS analysis that the inner-sphere surface complex of Ni(II) onto MnO2 is involved in both edge-sharing and corner-sharing linkages. Both the macroscopic uptake data and the molecular level evidence of Ni(II) surface speciation at the MnO2-water interfaces should be factored into better prediction of the bioavailability and mobility of Ni(II) in soil and water environment.

Sorption of uranium(VI) on Na-attapulgite as a function of contact time, solid content, pH, ionic strength, temperature and humic acid

Abstract: Sorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution to Na-attapulgite was investigated at different experimental chemistry conditions by using batch technique. The attapulgite sample was characterized by FTIR and XRD. Sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite increased quickly with rising pH at pH 7. The presence of humic acid (HA) enhanced the sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite obviously at low pH because of the strong complexation of surface adsorbed HA with U(VI) on attapulgite surface. Sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite was mainly dominated by ion exchange and/or outer-sphere surface complexation at low pH values, whereas the sorption was attributed to the inner-sphere surface complexation or precipitation at high pH values. The sorption increased with increasing temperature and the thermodynamic parameters calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms suggested that the sorption of U(VI) on attapulgite was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results indicate that attapulgite is a very suitable material for the preconcentration of U(VI) ions from large volumes of aqueous solutions.

Biosorption studies of uranium (VI) on cross-linked chitosan: isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic aspects

Abstract: The cross-linked chitosan (CS) gels synthesized by using glutaraldehyde (GLA), epichlorohydrin (EC), and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) as cross-linkers respectively were used to investigate the adsorption of U(VI) ions in an aqueous solution. The pure chitosan (PCS) and the cross-linked chitosan gels were characterized by FTIR and SEM analysis. The kinetic, thermodynamic adsorption and adsorption isotherms of U(VI) ions onto unmodified and modified cross-linked chitosan were studied in a batch adsorption experiments. The effect of pH, contact time and temperature on the adsorption capacity were also carried out. At the optimum pH, the maximum adsorbed amount of PCS, GLACS, ECCS and EGDECS were 483.05, 147.05, 344.83 and 67.56 mg/g, respectively. The uranium (VI) adsorption process of PCS and ECCS followed better with pseudo-second-order kinetic model, while GLACS and EGDECS followed pseudo-first-order kinetic model well. The results obtained from the equilibrium isotherms adsorption studied of U(VI) ions were analyzed in two adsorption models, namely, Langmuir and Freundlich isothms models, the results showed that the Langmuir isotherm had better conformity to the equilibrium data. The thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy (ΔHo), entropy (ΔSo), and Gibbs free energy (ΔGo) showed that the adsorption process was both spontaneous and endothermic.

Measurement of naturally occurring/fallout radioactive elements and assessment of annual effective dose in soil samples collected from four districts of the Punjab Province, Pakistan

Abstract: Soil samples were collected from different localities of districts Jhelum, Chakwal, Rawalpindi and Attock, Punjab Province, Pakistan with an aim to measure naturally occurring radionuclides, namely 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and fallout 137Cs radionuclide using a P-type coaxial high purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometer. Measured specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in these soil samples ranged from 26.02 ± 7.11 to 93.54 ± 8.13 Bq kg−1, 29.34 ± 2.58 to 114.41 ± 2.80 Bq kg−1 and 348.15 ± 3.20 to 752.98 ± 4.20 Bq kg−1, respectively. Activity due to 137Cs was observed in some locations which ranged from 0.4 ± 0.2 to 7.8 ± 0.3 Bq kg−1. From the measured activity concentrations, radium equivalent activity concentrations were determined followed by calculations of mean absorbed dose rate and mean annual effective dose for the inhabitants of the studied area. The mean radium equivalent activity, internal and external hazard indices values came out to be 179.26 ± 11.93 Bq kg−1, 0.64 ± 0.05 and 0.48 ± 0.03, respectively. Indoors and outdoor average annual effective dose values were found to be 0.42 ± 0.03 and 0.10 ± 0.01 mSv, respectively. Present data have been compared with the published data for other parts of the world and found to be safe for public and environment.

The influence of the temperature on the carbonate complexation of uranium(VI): a spectroscopic study

Abstract: The interaction of uranium(VI) with carbonate ions was studied with absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy due to the importance of these complexes in environmental relevant waters. In the pH range from 2 to 11 the influence of the temperature on the spectra was studied to check changes in the abundances of several binding forms. It was found that several binding forms are predominant at different temperatures and pH values. This observation can be explained by speciation changes due to the dependence of chemical equilibria on the temperature. Furthermore photoluminescence spectra of aqueous solutions of uranyl carbonate complexes were observed at ambient temperatures for the first time and single component absorption spectra of the uranyl carbonate complexes UO2(CO3)3 4− and UO2(CO3)2 2− were derived.

Effect of environmental conditions on the sorption of radiocobalt from aqueous solution to treated eggshell as biosorbent

Abstract: Carbonate hydroxylapatite (CHAP), prepared from eggshell waste, was used to remove 60Co(II) from aqueous solutions. The sorption of 60Co(II) on CHAP as a function of contact time, pH, ionic strength and foreign ions in the absence and presence of humic acid and fulvic acid under ambient conditions was studied. The sorption of 60Co(II) on CHAP was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH 0, ΔS 0, ΔG 0) of 60Co(II) sorption on CHAP were calculated from the temperature-dependent sorption isotherms, and the results indicated that the sorption process of 60Co(II) on CHAP was endothermic and spontaneous. At low pH, the sorption of 60Co(II) was dominated by outer-sphere surface complexation and ion exchange with Na+/H+ on CHAP surfaces, whereas inner-sphere surface complexation was the main sorption mechanism at high pH. Experimental results also indicated that CHAP was a suitable low-cost adsorbent for pre-concentration and solidification of 60Co(II) from large volumes of aqueous solutions.

Sorption of Th(IV) on MX-80 bentonite: effect of pH and modeling

Abstract: MX-80 bentonite was characterized by XRD and FTIR in detail. The sorption of Th(IV) on MX-80 bentonite was studied as a function of pH and ionic strength in the presence and absence of humic acid/fulvic acid. The results indicate that the sorption of Th(IV) on MX-80 bentonite increases from 0 to 95% at pH range of 0–4, and then maintains high level with increasing pH values. The sorption of Th(IV) on bentonite decreases with increasing ionic strength. The diffusion layer model (DLM) is applied to simulate the sorption of Th(IV) with the aid of FITEQL 3.1 mode. The species of Th(IV) adsorbed on bare MX-80 bentonite are consisted of “strong” species $$ \equiv {\text{YOHTh}}^{4 + } $$ at low pH and “weak” species $$ \equiv {\text{XOTh(OH)}}_{3} $$ at pH > 4. On HA bound MX-80 bentonite, the species of Th(IV) adsorbed on HA-bentonite hybrids are mainly consisted of $$ \equiv {\text{YOThL}}_{3} $$ and $$ \equiv {\text{XOThL}}_{1} $$ at pH < 4, and $$ \equiv {\text{XOTh(OH)}}_{3} $$ at pH > 4. Similar species of Th(IV) adsorbed on FA bound MX-80 bentonite are observed as on FA bound MX-80 bentonite. The sorption isotherm is simulated by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models, respectively. The sorption mechanism of Th(IV) on MX-80 bentonite is discussed in detail.

Biosorption of uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) onto Ulva gigantea (Kützing) bliding: discussion of adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic

Abstract: Ulva gigantea (Kutzing) bliding (UGB) obtained from sea inlet of Izmir-Turkey has been studied as a biosorbent for removal of radioactive metals from water. In this study, unmodified UGB and modified UGB with glutaraldehyde (GUGB) characterized by FTIR spectroscopy were used as biosorbents for removal of U(VI) and Th(IV) ions from aqueous solution. Adsorption experiments performed under batch process with initial pH, contact time, adsorbent mass and temperature as variables. In order to determine the adsorption characteristics, Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Raduschkevich adsorption isotherms were applied to the adsorption data. Adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption isotherms correlated well with the Freundlich model. The sorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic parameters such as variations of ΔH°, ΔG° and ΔS° were estimated as a function of temperature. The thermodynamics of the adsorption of U(VI) and Th(IV) onto UGB and GUGB indicates that the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the process. The results showed that UGB and GUGB were potential for application in removal of U(VI) and Th(IV) from aqueous solution.

Removal of Th(IV) ions from aqueous solution using bi-functionalized algae-yeast biosorbent

Abstract: Composites could be more effective adsorbents than inorganic and organic components individually. In the present study, the red macro marine algae, Jania Rubens and yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized on silica gel were used as a constituent of bi-functionalized biosorbent to remove thorium ions from aqueous solution. Optimum biosorption conditions were determined as a function of pH, initial Th(IV) concentration, contact time, temperature, volume/mass ratio and co-ion effect. The morphological analysis of the biocomposite was performed by the scanning electron microscopy and functional groups in the biosorbent were determined by FT-IR spectroscopy. In order to find the adsorption characteristics, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherms were applied to the adsorption data. The data were well described by Langmuir adsorption isotherms while the fit of Freundlich adsorption isotherms and Dubinin–Radushkevich equation to adsorption data was poor. Using the equilibrium constant value obtained at different temperature, the thermodynamics properties of the biosorption (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) were also determined. The results show that biosorption of Th(IV) ions onto biocomposite was exothermic nature, spontaneous and more favorable at lower temperature under examined conditions.

Influence of humic acids on the actinide migration in the environment: suitable humic acid model substances and their application in studies with uranium—a review

Abstract: Humic acids (HA) can influence the speciation of metal ions, e.g., actinide ions, and thus their migration in the environment. Therefore, knowledge of the impact of HA on the actinide migration is required to assess their transport in natural systems. However, due to the complex and heterogeneous nature of HA, there are a lot of difficulties in the thermodynamic description of their geochemical interaction behavior. A more basic understanding of the interaction processes of HA can be obtained by investigations applying HA model substances with more specific and tailored properties. This work gives a review of selected types of HA model substances (HA-alike melanoidins, synthetic HA with pronounced redox functionality, modified HA with blocked phenolic/acidic OH groups, synthetic humic substance-clay-associates), their synthesis, isotopic labeling, and characterization in comparison to isolated natural HA. Examples for their application in various geochemical studies, such as complexation, redox, sorption and migration studies with uranium as representative for actinides are presented.

Lithium, rubidium and cesium ion removal using potassium iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) supported on polymethylmethacrylate

Abstract: Potassium iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) supported on poly methyl methacrylate, has been developed and investigated for the removal of lithium, rubidium and cesium ions. The material is capable of sorbing maximum quantities of these ions from 5.0, 2.5 and 4.5 M HNO3 solutions respectively. Sorption studies, conducted individually for each metal ion, under optimized conditions, demonstrated that it was predominantly physisorption in the case of lithium ion while shifting to chemisorption with increasing ionic size. Distribution coefficient (K d) values followed the order Cs+ > Rb+ > Li+ at low concentrations of metal ions. Following these findings Cs+ can preferably be removed from 1.5 to 5 M HNO3 nuclear waste solutions.

Study of sorption processes of strontium on the synthetic hydroxyapatite

Abstract: The sorption of strontium on synthetic hydroxyapatite was investigated using batch method and radiotracer technique. The hydroxyapatite samples were prepared by a wet precipitation process followed by calcination of calcium phosphate that precipitated from aqueous solution. Also, commercial hydroxyapatites were used. The sorption of strontium on hydroxyapatite depended on the method of preparation and it was pH independent ranging from 4 to 9 as a result of buffering properties of hydroxyapatite. The distribution coefficient Kd was significantly decreased with increasing concentration of Sr2+ and Ca2+ ions in solution with concentration above 1 × 10−3 mol dm−3. The percentage strontium sorption for commercial and by wet method prepared hydroxyapatite was in the range of 83–96%, while calcined hydroxyapatite was ranging from 10 to 30%. The experimental data for sorption of strontium have been interpreted in the term of Langmuir isotherm. The sorption of Sr2+ ions was performed by ion-exchange with Ca2+ cations on the crystal surface of hydroxyapatite. Although calcined hydroxyapatite is successfully used as biomaterial for hard tissues repair, it is not used for the treatment of liquid wastes.

Study of radon in ground water and physicochemical parameters in Khartoum state

Abstract: This study was conducted primarily to measure and map radon activity concentration in wells within water supply network of Khartoum State. Ground water samples were collected before and after autumn and analysed using low level c-spectrometry equipped with HPGe-detector. Radon activity concentration was found in the range of 1.58-345.10 Bq/L with an average value of 59.20 ± 6.60 Bq/L. Upon comparing the radon concentration values obtained with EPA it was found they were far below the maximum contaminant level of EPA with the exception five samples. Physicochemical water parameters were measured and no correlation was noted between radon concentration and these parameters. The overall annual effective dose for adults due to radon ingestion is less than WHO recommended reference dose level for most except 14 samples.

Adsorption and desorption of radionuclide europium(III) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes studied by batch techniques

Abstract: The adsorption of Eu(III) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a function of pH, ionic strength and solid contents are studied by batch technique. The results indicate that the adsorption of Eu(III) on MWCNTs is strongly dependent on pH values, dependent on ionic strength at low pH values and independent of ionic strength at high pH values. Strong surface complexation and ion exchange contribute to the adsorption of Eu(III) on MWCNTs at low pH values, whereas surface complexation and surface precipitation are the main adsorption mechanism of Eu(III) on MWCNTs. The desorption of adsorbed Eu(III) from MWCNTs by adding HCl is also studied and the recycling use of MWCNTs in the removal of Eu(III) is investigated after the desorption of Eu(III) at low pH values. The results indicate that adsorbed Eu(III) can be easily desorbed from MWCNTs at low pH values, and MWCNTs can be repeatedly used to remove Eu(III) from aqueous solutions. MWCNTs are suitable material in the preconcentration and solidification of radionuclides from large volumes of aqueous solutions in nuclear waste management.

63Ni schottky barrier nuclear battery of 4H-SiC

Abstract: The design, fabrication, and testing of a 4H-SiC Schottky betavoltaic nuclear battery based on MEMS fabrication technology are presented in this paper. It uses a Schottky diode with an active area of 3.14 mm2 to collect the charge from a 4 mCi/cm2 63Ni source. Some of the critical steps in process integration for fabricating silicon carbide-based Schottky diode were addressed. A prototype of this battery was fabricated and tested under the illumination of the 63Ni source with an activity of 0.12 mCi. An open circuit voltage (V OC) of 0.27 V and a short circuit current density (J SC) of 25.57 nA/cm2 are measured. The maximum output power density (P max) of 4.08 nW/cm2 and power conversion efficiency (η) of 1.01% is obtained. The performance of this battery is expected to be significantly improved by using larger activity and optimizing the design and processing technology of the battery. By achieving comparable performance with previously constructed p–n or p–i–n junction energy conversion structures, the Schottky barrier diode proves to be a feasible approach to achieve practical betavoltaics.

Effect of pH, ionic strength and humic substances on the adsorption of Uranium (VI) onto Na-rectorite

Abstract: In this study, the adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution on Na-rectorite was studied as a function of various environmental conditions such as contact time, pH, ionic strength, soil humic acid (HA)/fulvic acid (FA), solid contents, and temperature under ambient conditions by using batch technique. The kinetic adsorption is fitted by the pseudo-second-order model very well. The adsorption of U(VI) on Na-rectorite was strongly dependent on pH and ionic strength. A positive effect of HA/FA on U(VI) adsorption was found at low pH, whereas a negative effect was observed at high pH. The presence of HA/FA enhanced the U(VI) adsorption at low pH values, but reduced U(VI) adsorption at high pH. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH 0, ΔS 0, and ΔG 0) were also calculated from the temperature dependent adsorption isotherms, and the results suggested that the adsorption of U(VI) on Na-rectorite was a spontaneous and endothermic process.

Full energy peak efficiency calibration of HPGe detector for point and extended sources using Monte Carlo code

Abstract: Monte Carlo simulation is important to get efficiencies for cases where the experimental efficiencies are difficult to get such as for samples with nonstandard geometries and for large samples. In this paper, efficiency of the HPGe detector, routinely used in our lab for a variety of samples, has been computed for point source geometry and its parameters has been optimized to match MCNP and experimental efficiencies within 5% at different sample to detector distances. This optimized geometry was then validated by efficiency transfer to other geometries.