Sorption and desorption of Eu(III) on alumina

Effects of ionic strength and of fulvic acid on the sorption of Eu(III) on alumina were investigated by using a batch technique. The experiments were carried out at T = 25 +/- 1 degrees C, pH 4-6 and in the presence of 1M NaCl. The results indicate that sorption isotherms of Eu(III) are linear at low pH values. The sorption-desorption of Eu(III) on alumina at pH 4.4 is reversible, but a sorption-desorption hysteresis is found at pH 5.0. Fulvic acid has an obvious positive effect on the sorption of Eu(III) on alumina at low pH values. The migration of Eu(III) in alumina was studied by using column experiments and Eu152+154(III) radiotracer at pH 3.8. For column experiments, Eu(III) sorbed on alumina can be desorbed completely from the solid surface at low pH values. The findings are relevant to the evaluation of lanthanide and actinide ions in the environment.