STUDIES ON THE EXTRACTION OF PLUTONIUM(IV) FROM AQUEOUS NITRIC ACID - OXALIC ACID BY ALIQUAT-336

ABSTRACT The extraction of Pu(IV) by Aliquat-336 from aqueous nitric acid containing oxalic acid was studied with a view to exploring the feasibility of recovery of Pu(IV) from Pu(IV) oxalate precipitation effluents. Distribution ratio data were obtained as a function of concentration of nitric acid, oxalic acid and Aliquat-336. The data obtained revealed that Pu(IV) can be extracted almost quantitatively by 20% Aliquate-336 in xylene from aqueous medium containing oxalic acid up to 0.25 M provided the nitric acid concentration is ≥ 4 M. These data suggest that Pu(IV) can be recovered directly from nitric acid - oxalic acid waste generated in Pu-oxalate precipitation by Aliquat-336 extraction. Additional informationNotes on contributorsS.K. Patil Author to whom the correspondence may be addressed.