Removal of radioactive nuclides by alginate microcapsules

The microcapsules enclosing two kinds of functional materials, inorganic ion-exchangers and organic extractants, were prepared by taking advantage of the high immobilization ability of alginate gel polymer. The Kd values of Cs+, Sr2+, Co2+, Y3+, Eu3+ and Am3+, for a favorable microcapsule (CuFC/clinoptilolite/DEHPA/CaALG) were estimated to be 1.1x104, 7.5x10, 1.1x10, 1.0x104, 1.4x104, 3.4x103 cm3/g, respectively. The microcapsules with various shapes such as spherical, columnar, fibrous and filmy forms were easily prepared by changing the way of dipping kneaded sol into the gelling salt solutions. The alginate microcapsules have a potential possibility for the simultaneous removal of various radioactive nuclides from waste solutions. (author)