Abstract:
Sorption of Eu(Ⅲ) and Am(Ⅲ) on attapulgite as a function of pH, ionic strength and Eu(Ⅲ) and Am(Ⅲ) concentrations was studied under ambient condition using batch technique. The results indicate that sorption of Eu(Ⅲ) and Am(Ⅲ) on attapulgite is strongly affected by pH values and weakly dependent on ionic strength. The sorption of both elements increases steeply with increasing pH from 2.5 to 5.5. Sorption of Eu(Ⅲ) and Am(Ⅲ) is mainly dominated by surface complexation, although ion exchange also contributes to Eu(Ⅲ) and Am(Ⅲ) sorption.