Sorption of $UO^{2+}_2$ onto Goethite and Kaolinite: Mechanistic Modeling Approach

Sorption of $UO^{2+}_2$ onto Goethite and Kaolinite: Mechanistic Modeling Approach

The sorption of UO$_{2}$$^{2+}$ onto goethite and kaolinite under various experimental conditions was successfully interpreted using surface complexation modeling (SCM). The SCM approach used in this work is the triple-layer model (TLM) in which weakly bonded ions are modeled as outer-sphere (ion-pair) complexes and strongly bonded ions as inner-sphere (surface coordination) complexes. The change of ionic strength did not affect the U(VI) sorption onto goethite, thus the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes, (FeO)$_2$UO$_2$ and (FeO)$_2$(UO$_2$)$_3$OH$_{5}$ was assumed to simulate the effects of ionic strength and goethite concentration. On the other hand, the U(VI) sorption onto kaolinite showed ionic strength dependence, thus the formation of AlO-UO$_{2}$$^{2+}$(outer-sphere complex) and SiO(UO$_2$)$_3$OH$_{5}$ (inner-sphere complex) was assumed to simulate the experimental data. In the presence of carbonates, the sorption of U(VI) onto kaolinite decreased in the weakly alkaline pH range. This was well simulated assuming the formation of a outer-sphere surface complex, A1OH$^{2+}$- (UO$_2$)$_2$CO$_3$OH$_3$. Since SCM approach uses thermodynamic data such as surface complexation constants, it is more predictive than empirical modeling approach in which conditional values such as partition coefficient are used. used.