Uranyl peroxide ((UO2)(O2)•4H2O; UO4) precipitation for uranium sequestering: formation and physicochemical characterization

Applicability of uranium peroxide ((UO2)(O-2)center dot 4H(2)O; UO4) precipitation to remove uranium from secondary wastewaters, generated as part of a spent uranium catalyst treatment process, has been studied. Precipitation characteristics of UO4 were evaluated as a function of pH, stirring status, time, and initial uranium concentrations. Optimized conditions were applied to the real uranium wastewater achieving >= 99% removal efficiency within 24 h. Dissolved impurities (Si, Sb, Fe) were co-precipitated with UO4 leading to increased particle sizes and faster precipitation kinetics. Uranium was separated effectively from the wastewater to below the 1 mg L-1 criteria necessary for secondary wastewater discharge.

Automated summary

The applicability of uranium peroxide precipitation method for removing uranium from secondary wastewaters has been studied. Optimized conditions were applied to achieve high removal efficiency within a short time. The method also removed other impurities and met the criteria for secondary wastewater discharge.