Urania: Jurnal Ilmiah Daur Bahan Bakar Nuklir
Vol. 32 No. 1 (2026): Urania : Jurnal Ilmiah Daur Bahan Bakar Nuklir

Ligand Interaction in Thorium Adsorption by Pacitan Bentonite

Roza Indra Laksmana (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional)
Mohammad Khotib (IPB University)
Zainal Alim Mas'ud (IPB University)
June Mellawati (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional)
Afiq Azfar Pratama (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional)
Suci Indryati (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional)
Dwi Luhur Ibnu Saputra (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Many studies have investigated the use of bentonite as an adsorbent; however, questions remain regarding the effects of sulfate and phosphate on thorium (Th) adsorption. Sulfate may reduce adsorption through the formation of Th-sulfate complexes and competition for adsorption sites between SO2-and UO2+, whereas phosphate is an important component of subsurface systems and plays a key role in controlling Thmobility. This study investigated Thadsorption by natural and acid-activated Pacitan bentonite as adsorbents for radioactive waste treatment. Because of its large surface area and porosity, bentonite has a high adsorption capacity, which can be further enhanced by acid activation. The adsorbents were characterized by FTIR and XRD to evaluate structuralchanges after activation. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of pH, contact time, temperature, and complexing ligands, including sulfate, carbonate, and phosphate, on Thadsorption. The results showed that natural bentonite exhibited high Thadsorption efficiency from the beginning of the experiment, whereas acid-activated bentonite showed a gradual increase in adsorption efficiency over time. Thcomplexation with sulfate decreased adsorption efficiency, while phosphate improved Thstability in activated bentonite. These findings indicate that Pacitan bentonite, in both natural and acid-activated forms, is a promising adsorbent for Th-containing radioactive waste, provided that the adsorption conditions are properly optimized.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

urania

Publisher

Subject

Description

Urania: Jurnal Ilmiah Daur Bahan Bakar Nuklir is a scientific publication platform that presents experimental research and development studies on the nuclear fuel cycle, covering radiation physics and chemistry, reactor engineering, nuclear safety and security, nuclear forensics, and radioactive ...