Removal of europium, cobalt and strontium from water solutions using MnO(OH)-modified diatomite

The paper describes researches on new materials based on the MnO(OH)-modified diatomite synthesized for application in sorption of Eu, Co and Sr from aqueous solutions. The material was obtained through precipitation of MnO(OH) from initial solution on the surface of diatomite particles using MnO(OH) concentrations from 0.5 up to 10 wt%. Efficiency and sorption capacity were investigated, especially towards europium, cobalt and strontium solved in water. Since sorption efficiency of the pure diatomite is not high, it was demonstrated that its surface modification with MnO(OH) increased sorption capacity towards several heavy metals up to 95% and 98% in the range of pH between 4 and 8. Higher concentrations of MnO(OH) deposited on the diatomite particles surface increased sorption capacity. It was found that 1 wt% of MnO(OH) provided capacity 15, 10, and 17 mg/g towards Co, Eu, and Sr, respectively. Further, 10 wt% concentration of MnO(OH) ensured respective capacities toward the same elements 28, 16, and 64 mg/g. These results demonstrated capability of surface-modified with MnO(OH) diatomite particles to remove ions of divalent and trivalent metals out of the potable water.