Kinetics, thermodynamics and isotherm parameters of uranium(VI) adsorption on natural and HDTMA-intercalated bentonite and zeolite

The novelty of this work consists in the new organo-adsorbents development for anionic forms of uranium adsorption by bentonites and zeolites from Greek deposits with significant meaning. The main aim of this study was the comparison between Greek bentonite Kimolos and zeolite Metaxades, natural and organo-modified forms towards adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution. Chemical modification method with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMABr) was used for organo-forms preparation. The effect of pH and contact time, as well as kinetic, isotherms and thermodynamic adsorption of U(VI) on studied bentonite and zeolite has been investigated by batch experiments and discussed by different mathematical models. The study indicates that prepared HDTMA forms can be potentially used as promising low-cost adsorbents for U(VI) removal in waste water treatment.