Adsorption of strontium from aqueous solution using ethyl butyl phosphonate (EBP) silica

[Display omitted] •Adsorption of Sr by ethyl butyl phosphonate silica was demonstrated for the first time.•Hydrodynamic adsorption was possible, with reasonable capacity, at a high flow-rate.•Optimal operating pH and maximum adsorption capacity were quantified.•The silica shows greater capacity for Sr than for transition metals.•Evidence suggests that the silica matrix directly interacts with the adsorption process; not just the functional group.