REMOVAL OF CERIUM (IV) ION FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING SAWDUST AS A VERY LOW COST BIOADSORBENT

In this paper adsorption of Ce (IV) ion from aqueous solution using wood sawdust obtained from a local carpentry (termed as SD) as a very cheap and efficient adsorbent has been investigated. Radioisotopes of cerium are a common constituent of liquid radioactive wastes arising from nuclear facilities. So, the removal of cerium ions from the wastewater of nuclear plants is in great importance. Adsorption experiments were carried out using both batch and column systems. The influence of some important experimental conditions such as dosage of adsorbent, initial concentration, contact time has been investigated. In order to have a better comparison, the sorption capacity of sawdust was compared with a commercial grade of activated carbon. It was found that sawdust is a very efficient adsorbent for uptake of cerium ion from aqueous solutions such as nuclear power plants wastewaters.