SORPTION AND DESORPTION OF RADIOSTRONTIUM ON CALCAREOUS SOIL AND ITS SOLID COMPONENTS

The effect of different solid components of calcareous soil on the ret ention of Sr was investigated by using batch technique and selective e xtraction method. The sorption and desorption isotherms of Sr on the u ntreated calcareous soil and the three treated soils were determined a t 20 degrees C, pH 7.8 +/- 0.2 and in the presence of 0.001 M CaCl2. I t was found that all isotherms are linear and that the sorption of Sr on the calcareous soil can be described by a reversible sorption proce ss and the sorption mechanism is mainly ion exchange.