Kinetic Investigation of Eu(III)-Humate Interactions by Ion Exchange Resins

The kinetic stability of radionuclides bound to aqueous colloids is a determining factor in their migration from a radioactive waste repository. The cation exchangers Chelex-100, Dowex 50Wx4, and Cellphos (cellulose phosphate) have been shown a promising tool for kinetic investigations. This study assesses the applicability of different exchange resins for Eu humate dissociation kinetics investigations. All resins were found to produce satisfactory results. A systematic study of parameters affecting the dissociation rates of Eu(III) humate complexes was performed. A set of purified humic substances was found to behave in the same way. However, unpurified Aldrich humic acid showed significant differences.