Modelling and adsorption studies of removal uranium (VI) ions on synthesised zeolite NaY

The adsorption of uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions on synthesised zeolite NaY has been studied and the effect of the solution pH, the initial concentration C, the solid/liquid ratio R and the temperature T was investigated. The adsorption process has been modelled using a 2(3) full factorial design in order to study the influence of the main effects and interaction parameters and to optimise the adsorption process. The pH is the most significant parameter affecting uranium (VI) ions' distribution on zeolite NaY. The equilibrium isotherm has been found to follow the Langmuir model. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second-order model correlates our experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters showed the exothermic heat of adsorption and the spontaneity of the adsorption process.