Approaches for cesium uptake by vermiculite

TLDR: In this article, the ion exchange behavior of cesium on vermiculite in various grain sizes was investigated, and the effect of the vermiculate grain size was clearly identified.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Expanded vermiculite is widely used in many fields, especially as an ameliorant in agriculture. Although it is known as a cation-exchanger, in a search for a new cesium adsorbent for environmental conservation, the ion-exchange behaviour of cesium on vermiculite in various grain sizes was investigated. The adsorption of cesium from artificial seawater was also investigated. RESULTS The effect of the vermiculite grain size was clearly identified. The preferred gain size for general use was found to be 500 µm. The amount of adsorption was low in these artificial seawater samples, however, almost similar ion-exchange behaviour was observed in both of the pure water and artificial seawater samples. CONCLUSION Adjustment of grain size according to the end use enables unlimited availability for application as an adsorbent of cesium. The results showed that vermiculite is a promising material for the recovery of cesium from contaminated seawater. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry