Evaluation of Bulgarian clinoptilolite as ion-exchanger for Cs⁺ removal from water solutions

Cesium uptake by natural zeolite clinoptilolite from Bulgaria was studied using batch technique and model solutions. The optimal conditions of interaction were determined. The pseudo-second-order rate model better describes the kinetic data obtained at different concentrations. The intraparticle diffusion and the surface diffusion models were tested to identify the rate-controlling step. The sites in the structure of clinoptilolite that are preferable for exchange were studied by application of Rietveld structural approach and the sequence of site occupation by cesium was followed. The Langmuir isotherm model provides a good fit of the equilibrium experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters for the system were calculated. (author)