Optimization of Uranium (VI) Adsorption Parameters Using Commercial Nay Zeolite: A Factorial Experimental Design Approach

This study focuses on two main aspects. Firstly, it engages in the activation of a commercial NaY zeolite through a cationic exchange process. Activation is performed on three particle size levels of the zeolite, achieved through grinding and sieving. The primary goal of this process is to release the active sites of the zeolite. Secondly, the application of crushed and exchanged materials in uranium recovery was investigated using 2⁴ factorial experimental design. The kinetic study of uranium adsorption by three different granulometries of exchanged zeolites (0.4 mm, 1 mm, and 1.6 mm) revealed an equilibrium time of 120 minutes and an enhancement in yields from 19.52% to 80.83% as the zeolite diameter decreased fom 1.6 mm to 0.4 mm, confirming that grinding has increased the zeolite's specific area and subsequently improved the adsorption yields. Factorial design experiments on uranium adsorption by exchanged zeolites allowed understanding the effects of considered factors. The pH, the zeolite diameter and the concentration were found to be highly significant, while the solid-liquid ratio was determined to be non significant. The optimized parameters are:pH= 4.56; [U] =78.86ppm; S/L=16.43g /L; d_I =0, 47mm.