Preparation of forcespun γ-irradiated chitin from shrimp shell wastes and its evaluation as uranyl ion adsorbent

Chitosan (CS) was synthesized by gamma irradiation of chitin extracted from shrimp shell wastes. CS nanofibers (CS-NFs) with a diameter of 500 nm were prepared using forcespinning method. The obtained CS-NFs were then used to adsorb uranium (U) from aqueous solution. Under optimal conditions, pH 6 and contact time 210 min, the maximum U adsorption was 142 mg g(-1). The results showed that CS-NFs adsorb U from aqueous media based on the Langmuir isotherm model. Also, kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-second-order model.

Automated summary

Chitosan nanofibers were successfully synthesized from shrimp shell wastes by gamma irradiation and used for uranium adsorption from aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 142 mg g(-1) under optimal conditions of pH 6 and contact time 210 min. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and exhibited a pseudo-second-order kinetic model.