Effect of natural clay components on sorption of Cs, Pu and Am by the clay

Sorption of Cs, Pu and Am on natural clay of complex composition was studied to better understand the sorption mechanisms. It was found that cesium sorption to natural clay was affected by its coatings and by the ionic strength of solution. The sorption of Pu and Am on the clay was compared with that on synthetic goethite, hematite and magnetite, representing components of the clay coatings. The sorption was quantitatively interpreted using models assuming ion exchange and/or complex formation on the “layer sites” and “edge sites” of the clay and its coatings. Constants characterizing properties of the sites and sorption equilibria were determined.