Sorption behavior of Eu(III) on Tamusu clay under strong ionic strength: Batch experiments and BSE/EDS analysis

The europium sorption on Tamusu clay was investigated by batch sorption experiments and spectroscopic study under the condition of strong ionic strength. The results demonstrated that europium sorption on Tamusu clay increased rapidly with pH value, but decreased with the ionic strength of solution increased. The europium sorption also increased in the presence of humic acid, especially at low pH value. The sorption could be fitted by Freundlich isotherm model and the europium sorption on clay was spontaneous and endothermic reaction. Besides, the result indicates that ion exchange was the main process at low pH value, while inner-sphere surface complexation dominated the sorption process at high pH value. The Backscatter electron scanning/Energy Dispersive Spectrometer(BSE/EDS) and the effect of Na for europium sorption results further suggested that europium sorption on Tamusu clay mainly competed with Na at low pH value. Overall, the results in this research were of significance to understand the sorption behavior of europium on the geological media under high ionic strength.