A new approach for enhancing Sr2+ retention by an Al-PILC in acidic solutions

Strontium uptake by an aluminum pillared montmorillonite has been studied i n aqueous solutions of pH values ranging from 3 to 8. Desorption of Sr2+ ha s been observed when the concentration of H3O+ in the solution raises. In o rder to limit this effect, the material has been modified by inserting orga nic molecules in the interlayer. Results with glycerol and oxalic acid as m odifying agents demonstrate that it is feasible to shield the metal cations against hydronium attack and thus reduce strontium desorption in acidic en vironments. These results are of a particular interest from a view point of the potential application of PILCs as antidotes against strontium radiocon tamination of ruminants. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .