Influence of Current Velocity on Uranium Adsorption from Seawater Using an Amidoxime-Based Polymer Fiber Adsorbent

Passive adsorption using amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents is being developed for uranium recovery from seawater. The local oceanic current velocity where the adsorbent is deployed is a key variable in determining locations that will maximize uranium adsorption rates. Two independent experimental approaches using flow-through columns and recirculating flumes were used to assess the influence of linear velocity on uranium uptake kinetics by the adsorbent. Little to no difference was observed in the uranium adsorption rate vs linear velocity for seawater exposure in flow-through columns. In contrast, adsorption results from seawater exposure in a recirculating flume showed a nearly linear trend with current velocity. The difference in adsorbent performance between columns and flume can be attributed to (i) flow resistance provided by the adsorbent braid in the flume and (ii) enhancement in braid movement (fluttering) with increasing linear velocity.