Adsorption of Uranium (VI) from Copper solution using Varion-AP and A500 resins: Kinetics and isotherm study

This study investigates the adsorption of uranium (VI) using Varion-AP and Purolite A500 resins. These two resins offer significant advantages due to their high adsorption capacity, selectivity, reusability, ease of use, and environmental compatibility. The main objective of this study was to examine the equilibrium. Batch experiments were designed and conducted with varying solution volumes (50–300 mL) and resin. The effects of pH (2.25–4.25), contact time (up to 4 h), and different resin dosages on the adsorption efficiency were studied, and the optimal adsorption was observed at pH 3.25. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were employed to analyze the equilibrium data at a constant temperature (25 °C) and to determine the adsorption capacity. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacity of Varion-AP and A500 for uranium (VI) was found to be 67.5 mg/g and 51.5 mg/g, respectively. Desorption experiments at different temperatures (25 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C) revealed optimal desorption points of 480 mg/lit and 400 mg/lit for Varion-AP and A500 resins, respectively. These results suggest the potential of both resins for uranium (VI) recovery.