Adsorption of radioactive ions sup 137 Cs sup + , sup 85 Sr sup 2+ , and sup 60 Co sup 2+ on natural magnetite and hematite

Natural magnetite and hematite have been used as granular sorbents for {sup 137}Cs{sup +}, {sup 85}Sr{sup 2+}, and {sup 60}Co{sup 2+} at tracer concentration levels in aqueous solutions of constant pH (range 2-10) at 25C. The kinetics of adsorption, up to the first 60 to 90 min, followed a first-order equation. At pH 6-8 about 50% Cs, 30% Co, and 18% Sr is removed from the solution with magnetite and 78% Co with hematite. The difference in the sorption capabilities of magnetite and hematite is discussed in terms of crystal structures of these oxides.