Sorption Behaviour of 137Cs on Kaolinite

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic investigation of the adsoption of 137Cs on to Kaoliniteclay mineral from Balikesir region which is west of Turkey. The adsorption behavior of kaolinite mineralwas studied by means of a batch method using 137Cs as a radio tracer. Experiments were carried out for claysize of 30.00 μm and six different initial concentrations of 137Cs. In experiments, solid/ liquid ratio andcontact time were determined to be 250 mL/g and 60 minutes, respectively. Adsorption percent (Ads%) anddistribution coefficient (Kd) values were calculated according to the adsorption experiment results. AfterLangmuir Isotherm was applied, the clay adsorption capacity was calculated using Least Squares Method. Itwas observed that Ads% and Kd values decreased with increasing the liquid phase concentrations rangingfrom 1.68x10-4 M to 5.88x10-4 M. The constants depending on adsorption energy (b), adsorption capacity(Xm), and removal efficiency (R) were determined to be 17.56×103 mg/kg, 0.038 L/g and 93%, respectively.Kaolinite was found to be having both a good adsorption capacity and a rapid adsorption rate for 137Cs.