Sorption behaviour of $^{137}Cs$ on kaolinite

Abstract

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic investigation of the adsoption of $^{137}Cs$ on to Kaolinite clay mineral from Balikesir region which is west of Turkey. The adsorption behavior of kaolinite mineral was studied by means of a batch method using 137Cs as a radio tracer. Experiments were carried out for clay size of 30.00 μm and six different initial concentrations of $^{137}Cs$. In experiments, solid/ liquid ratio and contact time were determined to be 250 mL/g and 60 minutes, respectively. Adsorption percent (Ads%) and distribution coefficient $(K_d)$ values were calculated according to the adsorption experiment results. After Langmuir Isotherm was applied, the clay adsorption capacity was calculated using Least Squares Method. It was observed that Ads% and Kd values decreased with increasing the liquid phase concentrations ranging from $1.68x10-{^4}$ M to $5.88x10-{^4}$ M. The constants depending on adsorption energy (b), adsorption capacity $(X_m)$, and removal efficiency (R) were determined to be $17.56x10-{^3}$ mg/kg, 0.038 L/g and 93%, respectively. Kaolinite was found to be having both a good adsorption capacity and a rapid adsorption rate for $^{137}Cs$. Keywords: Adsorption, batch method, $^{137}Cs$, kaolinite.