Electroosmotic concentration of ions from low-mineralized water

A method has been developed for electro-osmotic concentrating of cations and anions from extremely diluted aqueous solutions. Results on concentrating of Cs, Sr and Y cations have been obtained with the help of membranes made of chromatographic alumina and fluoroplast-4B polymerization powder taken at the ratio of 3:2. Within the limits of experimental error the concentrating of ions is quantitative. To extract Sr2+ ions, which are weakly absorbed by the membrane, it is necessary to wash the surface of the membrane by 2-4 M HCl solution. Absorption of elements in the concentration chamber by KU-2 ion-exchange resin provides for further chromatographic separation. Cs was eluted by 2N HCl, the sum of 90Sr -90Y elements by 6N HNO3. Electro-osmosis may thus become a convenient method of concentration scattered elements from natural waters with low salt background