STUDIES ON SORPTION OF PLUTONIUM ON INORGANIC-ION EXCHANGERS FROM SODIUM-CARBONATE MEDIUM

Sorption of Pu(IV) from sodium carbonate medium has been investigated by using three inorganic ion exchangers, viz. alumina, silica gel and hydrous titanium oxide (HTO). Distribution ratios (D) of Pu(IV) for its sorption on these ion exchangers have been determined. The values are 700, 10(3) and 10(4) for alumina, silica gel and hydrous titanium oxide, respectively, from 0.1M sodium carbonate medium. The high distribution ratios indicate their suitability for the removal of Pu(IV) from sodium carbonate waste streams. Pu(IV) breakthrough capacities have been determined with 5 ml bed at a flow rate of 30 ml per hour. The 10% Pu(IV) breakthrough capacities for alumina and silica gel are 3 g l-1 and 14 g l-1, respectively. The capacity of HTO is 60 g of Pu(IV) per liter of exchanger at 4% Pu(IV) breakthrough.