Use of activated carbon in removal of some radioisotopes from their waste solutions

Removal of some radioisotopes namely (152+154)Eu and 65Zn from radioactive solutions by activated carbon using both batch and column techniques has been performed. Experimental studies were conducted to evaluate and optimize the various process variables, i.e., equilibrium time, carbon dose, solution pH. Sorption data have been interpreted in terms of both Freündlich and Langmuir isotherms. The fixed-bed results indicate the high capacity of the activated carbon for the removal of europium and zinc ions. The data suggest the possible use of activated carbon for the removal of these cations from radioactive waste solutions.