Eu(III) uptake on rectorite in the presence of humic acid: A macroscopic and spectroscopic study

This work contributed to the comprehension of humic acid (HA) effect on Eu(III) uptake to Na-rectorite by batch sorption experiments, model fitting, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. At low pH, the presence of HA enhanced Eu(III) sorption on Na-rectorite, while reduced Eu(III) sorption at high pH. The experimental data of Eu(III) sorption in the absence and presence of HA were simulated by the diffuse-layer model well with the aid of FITEQL 3.2 software. The basal spacing of rectorite became large after Eu(III) and HA sorption on Na-rectorite. Some of Eu(III) ions and HA might be intercalated into the interlayer space of Na-rectorite. EXAFS analysis showed that the REuO (the bond distance of Eu and O in the first shell of Eu) and N values (coordination number) of Eu(III)–HA-rectorite system were smaller than those of Eu(III)-rectorite system.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (69 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The basal spacing of rectorite became large after Eu(III) and HA sorption on Na-rectorite. ► HA enhanced Eu(III) sorption on Na-rectorite at low pH, while reduced Eu(III) sorption at high pH. ► Eu(III) uptake on rectorite was well simulated by DLM.