Studies on the feasibility of using a novel phosphonate resin for the separation of U(VI), La(III) and Pr(III) from aqueous solutions

In view to separate La(III), Pr(III) and U(VI) ions, from aqueous solutions, batch experiments are carried out for the sorption and desorption of these ions onto and from a novel functionalized resin. The sorption capacities varied from 1.06 to 47.30 mg/g and increased in the following order La(III), Pr(III) and U(VI), while yields desorption ranged from 73.0 to 94.3% and increased in the following order Pr(III), La(III) and U(VI). Considering the largest difference in sorption capacity and desorption yield of these three elements, at different operates conditions, this material can be potential candidate for the separation of U(VI), Pr(III) and La(III) ions from nuclear and other industrial wastewater.