High Efficiency Uranium(VI) Removal from Wastewater by Strong Alkaline Ion Exchange Fiber: Effect and Characteristic

In this study, we analyzed the removal efficiency of uranium(U(VI)) in wastewater at relatively low concentrations using strong alkaline ion exchange fiber (SAIEF). Static tests showed that the strong alkali fibers can purify U(VI) containing wastewater in a concentration range of 20–100 mg L−1 with an optimal pH of 10.5 and contact time of 15–30 min. Adsorption and desorption cycling tests indicated that, adsorbed uranium is easily desorbed by 0.1 mol L−1 HCl, and the fiber still maintained the original adsorption efficiency after eight cycles. According to dynamic penetration test results, the SAIEF saturation adsorption capacity was 423.9 mg g−1, and the effluent concentration of uranium through two series columns was less than 0.05 mg L−1, reaching the national standard for non-receiving water (GB23727-2009) SEM-EDS and FTIR analysis revealed that the functional group of SAIEF is CH2N+(CH3)3Cl−. Addotionally, the major forms of fiber exchange adsorption are (UO2)2CO3(OH)3−, UO2(CO)34− and UO2(OH)3−. The results indicate that the SAIEF is an excellent material for uranium removal.