Feasibility of radioactive cesium and europium sorption using valorized punica granatum peel: kinetic and equilibrium aspects

This study assesses the sorption characteristics of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel as an economical sorbent, to decontaminate radioisotopes cesium and europium from aqueous solutions. In this respect, Punica granatum peel (virgin and modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate) had been prepared from the byproduct of numerous industries. The physical and chemical characteristics of prepared sorbents were determined using FTIR, TGA, DTA, SEM, XRD, and pH(PZC). The effects of process parameters comprising medium pH, initial concentration, contact time and temperature on Cs-137 and Eu152+154 sorption efficiency were investigated. Desorption of the investigated radioactive materials increased as the concentration of desorbing agent increased especially NaOH more than HNO3. Kinetic analysis study showed that the chemical reaction is the rate-determining step. Reaction equilibrium isotherm for both studied ions follows the Langmuir and Temkin model and the sorbent has a higher affinity to stabilize Europium more than Cesium ions.

Automated summary

This study assessed the sorption characteristics of pomegranate peel as a sorbent for decontaminating radioisotopes cesium and europium from aqueous solutions. The sorbent showed higher affinity for stabilizing Europium compared to Cesium, and desorption of radioactive materials increased with higher concentration of desorbing agent.