Effect of Biofouling on the Performance of Amidoxime-Based Polymeric Uranium Adsorbents

The Marine Science Laboratory at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory evaluated the impact of biofouling on uranium adsorbent performance. A surface modified polyethylene adsorbent fiber provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, AF adsorbent, was tested either in the presence or absence of light to simulate deployment in shallow or deep marine environments. 42-day exposure tests in column and flume settings showed decreased uranium uptake by biofouling. Uranium uptake was reduced by up to 30 %, in the presence of simulated sunlight, which also increased biomass accumulation and altered the microbial community composition on the fibers. These results suggest that deployment below the photic zone would mitigate the effects of biofouling, resulting in greater yields of uranium extracted from seawater.