Abstract:
The sorption of Th(Ⅳ) on attapulgite was studied as a function of pH, ionic strength, temperature and FA/HA concentration under ambient conditions using batch technique. The results indicate that sorption of Th(Ⅳ) on attapulgite is strongly dependent on pH values, and weakly dependent on ionic strength. The sorption of Th(Ⅳ) is mainly dominated by inner-sphere complexation, whereas outer-sphere complexation and ion exchange have little effect. FA and HA can enhance the sorption of Th(Ⅳ) on attapulgite. Sorption of Th(Ⅳ) increases with increasing temperature. Enthalpy (Δ
H), entropy (Δ
S) and Gibbs free energy (Δ
G) were calculated from experimental data. The results indicate that the sorption of Th(Ⅳ) on attapulgite is a spontaneous and endothermic process.