Removal of radioactive nuclides with nickel alginate microcapsules

Nickel Alginate microcapsules enclosing inorganic ion-exchangers (ferrocyanide and clinoptilolite) and organic extractant (DEHPA) were prepared by gelling the kneaded sols. The metal ions of Cs+, Sr2+, Y3+, Eu3+ and Am3+ were readily absorbed on the microcapsule within 6 h and relatively high uptake percentages above 90% was obtained. The uptake of metal ions followed a Lamgmuir-type absorption equation and uptake capacities of Cs+, Sr2+, Y3+ and Eu3+ were estimated to be 6.27 x 10-2, 1.11 x 10-2, 5.09 x 10-2 and 1.73 x 10-1 mmol/g, respectively. The microcapsules were thus effective for the simultaneous removal of radioactive nuclides from waste solutions. (author)