Sequestration of U(VI) from aqueous phase using diethylenetriamine anchored polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer

Abstract

Abstract Diethylenetriamine (DETA) moiety was chemically anchored on polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) co-polymer, and the resultant resin (PS-DETA) was studied for the extraction of uranium from aqueous solution. The extraction behavior of U(VI) was studied in PS-DETA a function of duration of equilibration, pH of the feed solution, concentration of U(VI), CO 3 2 − , Fe2＋, Co 2 + and Ni 2 + ions. The rate of extraction of uranium in PS-DETA was fitted into pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order rate equations. The extraction isotherm of uranium was fitted to Langmuir adsorption model. Recycling option of the resin PS-DETA was studied by subjecting the resin to repeated extraction and back-extraction of uranium. The performance of PS-DETA under the dynamic condition was evaluated by following the breakthrough curve of uranium. The extracted uranium was quantitatively recovered by using dilute nitric acid.