Abstract:
The Eu(Ⅲ) sorption on dolomite was investigated by batch sorption experiments, and the influence of time, temperature, pH value, ionic strength, solid-to-liquid ratio, initial Eu(Ⅲ) concentration, humic acid and other factors on adsorption was researched. The results show that the sorption of Eu(Ⅲ) on dolomite is strongly dependent on the pH value of the solution. When pH<7, the Eu(Ⅲ) sorption decreases with increasing ionic strength of the solution, demonstrating that ion exchange is the main process under acidic condition. When pH>7, the inner-sphere surface complexation dominates the sorption process. Moreover, rising temperature, as well as the addition of humic acid, can promote the adsorption of Eu(Ⅲ), which is spontaneous endothermic process. The Eu(Ⅲ) sorption on dolomite can be well fitted by Pseudo-second-order model and Freundlich isotherm model, indicating a chemical and heterogeneous sorption. The results reported here are important in gaining a better understanding of the contribution of dolomite in the process of Eu(Ⅲ) sorption on Tamusu clay, with useful implications on the final site selection and safety evaluation of China high-level radioactive waste geological repository.