Uranium removal from water using cellulose triacetate membranes added with activated carbon

Ultrafiltration removal of uranium from water, with composite activated carbon cellulose triacetate membranes (AC-CTA), was investigated. The filtrate was provided by uraninite dissolution with pH = 6-8. Removal efficiencies were calculated measuring solutions' radioactivities. Membranes were mainly characterized by microscopy analysis, revealing iron after permeation. Uranyl removal was 35 +/- 7%. Chemical speciation indicates the presence of (UO2)(2)CO3(OH)(3)(-), UO2CO3, UO2(CO3)(2)(2-) and Fe2O3(s) as main compounds in the dissolution, suggesting co-adsorption of uranium and iron by the AC during filtration, as the leading rejection path. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.