Sorption of U(VI) from Aqueous Solutions by Chemically Modified Luffa cylindrica Fibers

Abstract: The sorbent prepared from Luffa cylindrica fibers modified with citric acid is studied as a new biosorbent for the recovery of uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions. The effect the pH of an aqueous solution, the phase contact time, and temperature have on the efficiency of U(VI) recovery into the sorbent phase is investigated. The kinetic dependences for the process of uranium(VI) sorption can be described by a pseudo-second order equation. The U(VI) adsorption isotherm is described by the Langmuir equation, and the maximum uranium sorption capacity of this sorbent is 204.3 mg/g. The possibility of reusing the sorbent in several cycles of sorption–desorption cycles is demonstrated.