Adsorption of Rare Earth Elements in the System of Fe_2O_3·H_2O and Humic Acid

The adsorption behaviour of rare earth elements(La,Ce,Ho,Yb)in the system of amorphous iron oxyhydroxide and humic acid was investigated,and the effects of humic acid on the adsorption amount and kinetics were observed in the presented study.The experimental results indicate that the modification of humic acid to iron oxyhydroxide surface can significantly change its adsorption characteristic and influence the fractionation of the REE.In the adsorption mechanism,humic acid may slow down the adsorption rates of REE on the surface through competitive adsorption and enhance their adsorption amounts through cooperative action.