Adsorption of uranium from aqueous solutions using activated carbon prepared from olive stones

Adsorption of uranium from aqueous solutions using activated carbon was investigated. Olive stones were selected as a starting material for the preparation of activated carbon. Adsorption experiments were carried out by a batch technique. Starting material/activating agent (ZnCl2) ratio of 1:2 and 600 oC carbonization temperature were used for the preparation of adsorbent. The adsorption of uranium was studied as a function of shaking time, pH, initial uranium concentration and temperature. The optimum conditions were found as 5 minutes shaking time, pH 6, 25 ppm uranium concentration, and 30oC temperature. The uranium adsorption efficiency was found to be 94±5 % applying these determined optimum conditions. (author)