Bamboo Leaf: A Green and Economical Adsorbent for Uranium(VI) Removal

The removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution by bamboo leaf was investigated. To compare the adsorption capability of untreated bamboo leaf and anionics-treated bamboo leaf, SDS was used as anion modifier. Variables of experiments including initial pH, concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature were studied. The results indicated that the adsorption capabilities are strongly influenced by the initial pH, adsorbent dose. Optimum pH is 6.0~6.5. Temperature and contact time were also found that has a little effect on the adsorption. The change of adsorption efficiency was found to be negligible when the temperature increased from 20°C to 36°C. The adsorption process follows pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics and the capability was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity could reach 18.90mg/g by untreated bamboo leaf and 26.73mg/g by SDS-treated bamboo leaf. From these results, it can be concluded that the bamboo leaf could be a good absorbent for the U(VI) from aqueous solution.