Ion exchange studies of U(VI) from aqueous Arsenazo-III solutions using Ag-2X8, Dowex-50WX8 and Chelex-100 resins

The distribution of U(VI) between the anion exchanger AG-2X8, the cation exchanger Dowex-50WX8 and the chelating resin Chelex-100 and aqueous solutions of Arsenazo-III at different pH values was studied. The concentration of Arsenazo-III was in the range of 1.53.10(-4)-1.23.10(-3) M. Equilibrium pH was varied from 1.0 to 8.78 while U(VI) original concentration was held constant at 3.39.10(-4) M. The effect of Arsenate-III concentration and the variation of hydrogen ion concentration on U(VI) species formed in solution as well as the sorbed species was discussed. Use was made of IR spectroscopy to investigate the sorption behavior. The sorption of some interfering ions such as Th(IV), Zr(IV) and Ce(III) on the resins used at optimum conditions for the sorption of U(VI) was also investigated.