ADSORPTION OF SB(V) FROM RADIOACTIVE ORGANIC WASTE SOLUTIONS ON DIFFERENT ADSORBENTS

The adsorption of radioantimony (Sb-122 and Sb-124) on pyrolysis resid ue, bentonite and fly ash from its solutions in benzene, toluene and x ylene was investigated. The radioactivity of the isotopes was measured in the organic solution above the adsorbents as a function of time. A fter 24 h, the sequence of uptake of Sb(V) in benzene and toluene is: pyrolysis residue > bentonite > fly ash, while in xylene it is bentoni te > pyrolysis residue > fly ash. The maximum 1g k(D) value was 3.37 f or the toluene-pyrolysis residue system. Desorption of Sb(V) from the loaded material was studied using both tap water and 1M HCl. The latte r has more desorption power, evidently, due to hydrolysis and producti on of insoluble species in the neutral medium.