The influence of zeolite on the sorption ability of concrete

Abstract

Sorption of cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) chlorides into concrete (R) containing Portland cement CEM 42.5 R and natural zeolite (Z) in various ratios (Z1=20 % of Z, Z2=30 % of Z, Z3=40% of Z, Z4=50% of Z) were analyzed under laboratory conditions in the present study. Sorption isotherms and distribution coefficients of cesium and strontium ions were calculated for all samples. The results indicated that zeolite had higher sorption capacity for Cs than for Sr. Sorption of Cs into zeolite itself was the highest, followed by the Z4, Z3, Z2, Z1, and R mixtures. The sorption on R did not differ from the Z1 and Z2 mixtures. Sr sorption on the concrete was higher than in the case of Cs. Statistically significant changes were not observed between the results obtained for R, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 mixtures in the case of Sr. In a summary, concrete seems to be a more suitable material for the sorption of Sr than Cs.