Application of Chitin and Zeolite adsorbents for treatment of low level radioactive liquid wastes

ABSTRACT

Two types of Shrimp Chitin derivatives and two types of Iranian natural Zeolite derivatives [Firuzkooh Clinoptiliolite] were studied for adsorption and treatment of low-level radioactive liquid waste [LLW]. Chitin with lowers than 10% and Chtiosan with higher than 90% deacetylation factor were selected as natural organic adsorbents. Natural Cliniptilolite of Firuzkooh area and Na form derivatives of it were selected as natural inorganic adsorbents. The static and dynamic ion exchange experimental results show that the adadsorption efficiency depend on particle size, PH, adsorbent type, deacetylation factor [in Chitin adsorbents] and cation type. The best Cs adsorption occurred in Na form Clinoptilolite. Nevertheless Chitin derivatives, particularly Chitosan, are more efficient than Zeolite adsorbents for removing of radionuclides such as [137]Cs, [54]Mn, [90]Sr and [60]Co. Adsorption performance was discussed and compared with each other