Sorption of Radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr on Zeolites of Various Genesis

The sorption parameters of natural zeolites of various genesis, as well as synthetic X-type zeolite towards Cs-137 and Sr-90 radionuclides, were explored. Mineral and chemical compositions, values of the specific surface area and porous structure are reported for the examined samples. The distribution coefficients of trace amounts of radionuclides Cs-137 in 0.1 and 1.0 M sodium nitrate solution and those of Sr-90 in 0.01 M calcium chloride solution were found. A sample of hydrothermal zeolite from the Yagodninskoe deposit (Kamchatka Territory) was shown to be of the maximum sorption parameters towards cesium and strontium. It was concluded that the cation exchange capacity, the chemical composition of exchange sites, and the size of the channels in the zeolite crystal lattice are the factors determining the sorption activity of zeolites towards Cs-137 and Sr-90 radionuclides.