Uranium uptake by Chitosan impregnated in calcium alginate from potable water

Chitosan, a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1-4)-linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated unit) was effectively immobilized in sodium alginate in the form of beads by using 0.2 M calcium chloride solution. These beads were used to reduce the concentration of uranium from 1000 μgmL-1 to < 10 ppb at pH 5. Ground water qualities were monitored before and after the treatment with the beads. ATRFTIR spectrum of uranium loaded beads of chitosan indicates that U(VI) binds to the amine group. These amino sites in chitosan groups are mainly responsible for the binding of U(VI) by formation of uranium-amine complex. (author)