Sorption studies of cesium and cobalt in single and binary systems using Greek Petrota zeolite

Abstract The sorption properties of a Greek zeolite for cesium and cobalt in single and binary systems were investigated. The sorption experiments were undertaken in aqueous solutions of pH 8, concentration range 10–500 mg L −1 and the metal concentration was determined by analytical (ICP-OES) and radiochemical techniques (γ-spectrometry using radiotracers of 137 Cs and 60 Co). Sorption isotherms in single and binary systems were reproduced by empirical and chemical models and the sorption capacity reached the theoretical maximum of 81.3 and 63.7 mg g −1 for Cs and Co respectively. The sorption process was studied through XRD, FTIR, autoradiography and SEM–EDS, whereas the environmental compatibility tests proved the safe sequestration of the loaded zeolite.