Removal and recovery of U(VI) from aqueous effluents by flax fiber: Adsorption, desorption and batch adsorber proposal

[Display omitted] •Removal and recovery of uranium were investigated in a batch process.•Adsorbent characteristics were scientifically analyzed.•The maximum obtained U(VI) removal was ≈94.50% at pH of 4 and adsorbent dose of 1.2 g.•Adsorption data were analyzed using kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic models.•Full scale batch adsorber unit was recommended. Flax fiber (Linen fiber), a valuable and inexpensive material was used as sorbent material in the uptake of uranium ion for the safe disposal of liquid effluent. Flax fibers were characterized using BET, XRD, TGA, DTA and FTIR analyses, and the results confirmed the ability of flax fiber to adsorb uranium. The removal efficiency reached 94.50% at pH 4, 1.2 g adsorbent dose and 100 min in batch technique. Adsorption results were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm. The recovery of U (VI) to form yellow cake was investigated by precipitation using NH4OH (33%). The results show that flax fibers are an acceptable sorbent for the removal and recovery of U (VI) from liquid effluents of low and high initial concentrations. The design of a full scale batch unit was also proposed and the necessary data was suggested.