The sorption of europium, Eu(III), on suspended silica was studied in perchlorate media under varying concentrations of Eu(III) and silica, at pH 4 to 8, and ionic strength from 0.20 to 1.40 M NaClO4 at 298 K. The complexing anions, carbonate, acetate, citrate, oxalate, phosphate and EDTA, affected the sorption of Eu(III). A synergistic enhancement in the sorption of Eu(III) was observed for oxalate and phosphate ligands. Other anions suppressed the sorption in the order: acetate < carbonate < citrate < EDTA. The results of TRLFS studies were consistent with ternary Eu/silica/ligand complexation for oxalate and phosphate anions.
Print ISSN: 0033-8230
Volume: 95, 05/2007
Pages: 267 - 273