Cyanex272 impregnated on Amberlite XAD-2 for separation and preconcentration of U(VI) from uranmicrolite (leachates) ore tailings

An organanophosphinic acid extractant Cyanex272 was impregnated on a macroporus polymeric solid support Amberlite XAD-2 and packed in a column to study sorption and desorption of U(VI) in HNO(3) media. Various physio-chemical parameters such as influence of HNO(3) concentration, amount of Cyanex272, nature of eluents, sample and eluent flow rates were studied systematically to optimize conditions for sorption and desorption of U(VI). The breakthrough volume for U(VI) was > 1000 mL and column reusability was more than 50 cycles. U(VI) was selectively separated from some commonly associated rare earth elements and certain d-block elements in binary and synthetic mixtures. The method developed for U(VI) was applied for its recovery from uranmicrolite (leachate) ore tailings and an industrial effluent sample.