A new technique for removing radioactive nuclides from aqueous solution by coprecipitation with barite

Abstract

In the present study, we explore a new application of barite (BaSO4) as a sequestering phase for selenite (Se(IV)) and selenate (Se(VI)) ions from aqueous solutions. Barite is a common phase in many geological environments, and it can be used to remove toxic and/or radioactive elements from aqueous solutions, but it has not been widely used in environmental studies. This study describes the mechanisms of Se distribution between barite and water, thus providing a good estimate of its ability to effectively remove Se(IV) and Se(VI) from aqueous solutions (more than 80%) using the optimized experimental parameters examined here.