Adsorption and desorption of uranium (VI) in aerated zone soil

► We investigated adsorption and desorption of U (VI) in aerated zone soil. ► Kd values can reach 103 and U (VI) adsorption capacity in natural soil was 1.98 mg/g. ► Adsorbed U (VI) on natural soil could be extracted by EDTA, citric acid and HNO3. ► A potential chemical remediation method for the U-contaminated soils was proposed.