| Abstract: |
The sorption of selenite and selenate ions from aqueous solutions was\n investigated on hydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, goethite and hematite, in\n order to simulate the behavior of radioactive selenium in natural or\n artificial sorbing media. Correlation studies with acido-basic\n properties and solubility of the solids were also performed. The\n sorption is pH dependant, but these solids are very efficient for\n retaining selenite at pH values generally encountered in natural\n waters, with however higher K-d values for oxides than apatites.\n Selenate ions are much less sorbed than selenite. Several methods such\n as electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques were used to\n identify the sorption mechanisms. In the case of hydroxyapatite,\n sorption proceeds by substitution of phosphate groups in the lattice of\n the apatite crystal in the superficial layers of the solid. In the case\n of goethite and hematite, sorption can be interpreted and modeled by a\n surface complexation process, but there is a discrepancy between\n sorption site densities for selenite and for protons. |
