Characterization of U(VI) sorption and leaching on clay supported biomass sorbents

Abstract

In previous studies we demonstrated that matrixes generated from fungal biomass and a montmorillonite (BMMTs) are efficient as biosorbents in batch uranium removal systems. The objective of this article is to evaluate the U(VI) sorption capacity of BMMT in continuous systems for its removal from effluents and to determine the reusability of the sorbent and the recovery of the uranium testing different leaching solutions. Upflow BMMT columns were performed in order to optimize the system for continuous sorption techniques. BMMTs loaded with U(VI) treatment with leaching solutions allowed calculating U(VI) extraction percentages. These results indicated the possibility of the use of clay supported biomass sorbents in upflow columns, the recycling of the sorbent and U(VI) recovery after processes of U(VI) sorption.