Selective uptake of plutonium (IV) on calcium alginate gel polymer and TBP microcapsule

The uptake behavior of Pu(IV) has been investigated by using calcium alginate gel polymer (CaALG) and TBP microcapsules (TBP-CaALG). The characterization of CaALG and TBP-CaALG was examined by SEM and IR, and the uptake properties and distribution of Pu(IV) ions were estimated by batch method. The uptake rate of Pu(IV) on CaALG and TBP-CaALG in the presence of 5 M HNO₃ was attained within 6 and 4 h, respectively, and K _d values for CaALG and TBP-CaALG after 7 h-shaking were 50.2 and 53.2 cm ³/g, respectively. Relatively large K _d values (90.3-425 cm³/g) were obtained for fresh CaALG and TBP-CaALG in the presence of 0.5-2 M HNO₃. Thus CaALG and TBP-CaALG are effective for the separation of Pu(IV) in the presence of highly concentrated HNO₃.