Uranyl extraction from aqueous solution by emulsion liquid membrane process

Abstract

In this study, the elimination of Uranyl from aqueous solution is studied using an advanced technique of extraction; emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). Experimental results for the extraction of Uranyl are presented. The membrane phase consists of Kerosene as a diluent, Cyanex 302 as a carrier and sorbiton monooleate (Span 80) as a surfactant. Sulfuric acid solution as an internal aqueous phase. At the optimum conditions, the main variables studied which influenced the ELM extraction of Uranyl were the concentration of surfactant (3%), carrier (0.3%), internal phase (1 N H₂SO₄), types of internal phase (H₂SO₄ sulfuric acid), diluent (Kerosene), stirring speed (200 rpm), and the effect of volume ratios of the internal phase to the organic phase 1:1 (A/O) and of the emulsion to the feed solution 20/200 (Vemul/Vext). The results indicate that the removal percentage was obtained 100% in less than 20 min.This study also evaluated the effect of H₂SO₄ concentration in the internal aqueous phase on the stripping of Uranyl. The ELM treatment process represents a very interesting advanced separation process for the removal of Uranyl from aqueous solutions.

KEYWORDS:

• ELM
• Extraction
• Uranyl
• Stability
• Stripping

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance and support of Pr. Dr Samar MOHAMED ELHADI, University of Badji Mokhtar-Annaba, Algeria. The author would also like to acknowledge the valuable comments and suggestions of the reviewers, which have improved the quality of this paper

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).