Elaboration of composite based on the incorporation of marble particles into polymeric framework for the removal of Co(II) and Eu(III)

The incorporation of marble particles into the framework of composite material through the polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide acid (AM) using induced gamma irradiation was performed. The novel poly[AA-AM]-marble composite was characterized by multiple analytical instruments such as: energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetric analysis (DTA-TGA), Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR), surface area measurements using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Radioisotopes of fission (Eu152+154) and activation products (Co-60) are the major environmental threats. Sorption of stable isotopes of cobalt and europium onto the synthesized composite material as the sorbent is applied. Sorption kinetics of Eu3+ and Co2+ were computed. The obtained results were analyzed by pseudo-first- and second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich kinetic models. It is deduced that the pseudo-second-order was more fitted and a chemisorption mechanism was suggested. The sorption capacity for Eu3+ and Co2+ on the prepared composite material was measured at the contact time (2 h) and pH = 4 (for Eu3+), pH = 6 (for Co2+) and it was found to be 91.2 and 13.1 mg/g, respectively. A promising result for the decontamination of both Eu and Co ions was obtained in various aquatic ecosystem applications such as: river water, tap water and groundwater.