SELECTIVE ADSORPTION OF STRONTIUM ON ACTIVATED-CHARCOAL FROM ELECTROLYTIC AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS

The adsorption of strontium on activated charcoal has been studied as a function of shaking time, pH, concentration of adsorbate and temperature. Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used for measuring strontium concentration. The adsorption of strontium obeys Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Quantities DELTAH0 and DELTAS0 were calculated from the slope and intercept of plot ln K(D) vs 1/T. The influence of different cations and anions on strontium adsorption has been examined. The adsorption of other metal ions on activated charcoal has been studied under specific conditions to check its selectivity. Consequently strontium was removed from Rh, Pr, Rb and Cs. More than 95% adsorbed strontium on activated charcoal can be recovered with 65 ml 3M HNO3 solution.