Substitution reactions of thorium(IV) acetate to synthesize nano-sized carboxylate complexes

Some mixed-ligand thorium(IV) complexes with the general formula [Th(OOCCH(3))(4-n)L(n)] (L=anions of myristic, palmitic or stearic acid and n=1-4) have been synthesized by the stepwise substitution of acetate ions of thorium(IV) acetate with straight chain carboxylic acids in toluene under reflux. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (electronic, infrared, NMR and powder XRD) studies, electrical conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Doubly and triply bridged coordination modes of the ligands were established by their infrared spectra and nano-size of the complexes by powder XRD. Room temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed diamagnetic nature of the complexes. Electronic absorption spectra of the complexes showed pi-->pi*, n-->pi* and charge transfer transitions. Molar conductance values indicated the complex to be non-electrolytes. These are a new type of mixed-ligand thorium(IV) complexes for which a nano-sized, oxygen bridged polymeric structure has been established on the basis of physico-chemical studies.

On the retention of uranyl and thorium ions from radioactive solution on peat moss

The efficiency of the radioactive uranyl and thorium ions on the peat moss from aqueous solutions has been investigated under different experimental conditions. The sorption and desorption of uranyl and thorium ions on three types (unmodified peat moss, peat moss treated with HNO(3) and peat moss treated with NaOH) of peat moss were studied by the static method. Peat moss was selected as it is available in nature, in any amount, as a cheap and accessible sorbent. Study on desorption of such ions led to the conclusion that the most favourable desorptive reagent for the uranyl ions is Na(2)CO(3) 1M while, for the thorium ions is HCl 1M. The results obtained show that the parameters here under investigation exercise a significant effect on the sorption process of the two ions. Also, the investigations performed recommend the peat moss treated with a base as a potential sorbent for the uranyl and thorium ions from a radioactive aqueous solution.

Ligational behavior of thiosemicarbazone, semicarbazone and thiocarbohydrazone ligands towards VO(IV), Ce(III), Th(IV) and UO2(VI) ions: synthesis, structural characterization and biological studies

Mono- and binuclear VO(IV), Ce(III), Th(IV) and UO(2)(VI) complexes of thiosemicarbazone, semicarbazone and thiocarbohydrazone ligands derived from 4,6-diacetylresorcinol were synthesized. The structures of these complexes were elucidated by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, ESR, (1)H NMR and mass spectra as well as conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermal analyses. The thiosemicarbazone (H(4)L(1)) and the semicarbazone (H(4)L(2)) ligands behave as dibasic pentadentate ligands in case of VO(IV) and UO(2)(VI) complexes, tribasic pentadentate in case of Ce(III) complexes and monobasic pentadentate in case of Th(IV) complexes. However, the thiocarbohydrazone ligand (H(3)L(3)) acts as a monobasic tridentate ligand in all complexes except the VO(IV) complex in which it acts as a dibasic tridentate ligand. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were also tested against Rhizobium bacteria and Fusarium-Oxysporium fungus. The metal complexes of H(4)L(1) ligand showed a higher antibacterial effect than the free ligand while the other ligands (H(4)L(2) and H(3)L(3)) showed a higher effect than their metal complexes. The antifungal effect of all metal complexes is lower than the free ligands.

Layer silicates modified with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine for the removal of Th(IV), U(VI) and Eu(III) from aqueous media

Natural montmorillonite (M) and synthetic kanemite (K) have been functionalized with 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine reacted with methylacrylate to yield new inorganic-organic chelating materials. The original and modified materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, textural analysis, SEM and nuclear magnetic nuclei of carbon-13 and silicon-29. The chemically modified clay samples (M-APPMA and K-APPMA) showed modification of its physical-chemical properties including: specific area 45.0m(2)g(-1) (M) to 978.8 m(2)g(-1) (M-APPMA) and 23.5m(2)g(-1) (K) to 898.9 m(2)g(-1) (K-APPMA). The ability of these materials to remove thorium(IV), uranyl(VI) and europium(III) from aqueous solution was followed by a series of adsorption isotherms, which were fitted to non-linear Sips adsorption isotherm model. To achieve the best adsorption conditions the influence of pH and variation of metal concentration were investigated. The energetic effects (Delta(int)H degrees , Delta(int)G degrees and Delta(int)S degrees ) caused by metal ions adsorption were determined through calorimetric titrations.

[Adsorption behavior of exogenous thorium on soil contaminated by rare earth industries]

The adsorption behavior of exogenous thorium on soil was studied to evaluate the contaminated risk on soil. The adsorption capacity, equilibrium time, distribution coefficient and desorption ability were investigated by the experiments of static adsorption. The strong adsorption ability of exogenous thorium on soil samples was observed by high adsorption ratio (> 92%) and low desorption ratio (< 5%) in equilibrium, and the biggest distribution coefficient was over 10(4). The adsorption capacity and equilibrium time were related to soil properties. According to the results of adsorption, Freundlich equation (r > or = 0.9167) and Elovich equation (R2 > or = 0.8980) were primely fit for describing the thermodynamics and kinetics of the adsorption of exogenous thorium on soil samples, respectively, which indicated that the adsorption was belonged to the nonlinear adsorption, and was affected by the diffusion of thorium on soil surface and in mineral interbed. Sequential extraction procedure was employed to evaluate the bound fractions of exogenous thorium adsorbed on soil samples. Based on the extracted results of thorium fractions, exogenous thorium was presented in the labile nonresidual fractions (over 58%) at the low initial concentration (10(-7) - 10(-6) mol x L(-1)), and nonresidual fractions enhanced with the increase of the initial amount, meanwhile more exogenous throium was transferred to the stable residual fractions.

Adsorption of thorium cation on modified clays MTTZ derivative

Diquite (D) and bentonite (B) mineral samples from the Amazon region, Brazil, were modified by MTTZ derivative (5-mercapto-1-methyltetrazole) using heterogeneous route. These materials were characterized by textural and elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), power X-ray diffraction and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The chemically modified clay (D(MTTZ) and B(MTTZ)) samples showed modification of its physical-chemical properties including: specific area 41.4 (B) to 398.5m(2)g(-1) (B(MTTZ)) and 25.0 (D) to 178.8m(2)g(-1) (D(MTTZ)). The adsorption experiments performed under batch process with Th(IV) concentration, pH and contact time as variables. The ability of these materials to remove thorium from aqueous solution was followed by a series of adsorption isotherms adjusted to a Sips equation at room temperature and pH 2.0, with variable concentration of Th(IV). The maximum number of moles adsorbed was determined to be 10.45 x 10(-2) and 12.76 x 10(-2)mmol g(-1) for D(MTTZ) and B(MTTZ), respectively. The energetic effects (Delta(int)H degrees , Delta(int)G degrees and Delta(int)S degrees ) caused by thorium cation adsorption were determined through calorimetric titrations.

New best estimates for radionuclide solid-liquid distribution coefficients in soils. Part 2: naturally occurring radionuclides

Predicting the transfer of radionuclides in the environment for normal release, accidental, disposal or remediation scenarios in order to assess exposure requires the availability of an important number of generic parameter values. One of the key parameters in environmental assessment is the solid liquid distribution coefficient, K(d), which is used to predict radionuclide-soil interaction and subsequent radionuclide transport in the soil column. This article presents a review of K(d) values for uranium, radium, lead, polonium and thorium based on an extensive literature survey, including recent publications. The K(d) estimates were presented per soil groups defined by their texture and organic matter content (Sand, Loam, Clay and Organic), although the texture class seemed not to significantly affect K(d). Where relevant, other K(d) classification systems are proposed and correlations with soil parameters are highlighted. The K(d) values obtained in this compilation are compared with earlier review data.

Adsorptive features of polyacrylamide-apatite composite for Pb2+, UO(2)2+ and Th4+

Micro-composite of polyacrylamide (PAA) and apatite (Apt) was prepared by direct polymerization of acrylamide in a suspension of Apt and characterized by means of FT-IR, XRD, SEM and BET analysis. The adsorptive features of PAA-Apt and Apt were then investigated for Pb(2+), UO(2)(2+) and Th(4+) in view of dependency on ion concentration, temperature, kinetics, ion selectivity and reusability. Experimentally obtained isotherms were evaluated with reference to Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) models. Apt in PAA-Apt had higher adsorption capacity (0.81, 1.27 and 0.69 mol kg(-1)) than bare Apt (0.28, 0.41 and 1.33 mol kg(-1)) for Pb(2+) and Th(4+), but not for UO(2)(2+). The affinity to PAA-Apt increased for Pb(2+) and UO(2)(2+) but not changed for Th(4+). The values of enthalpy and entropy changed were positive for all ions for both Apt and PAA-Apt. Free enthalpy change was DeltaG<0. Well compatibility of adsorption kinetics to the pseudo-second-order model predicated that the rate-controlling step was a chemical sorption. This was consistent with the free energy values derived from DR model. The reusability tests for Pb(2+) for five uses proved that the composite was reusable to provide a mean adsorption of 53.2+/-0.7% from 4x10(-3)M Pb(2+) solution and complete recovery of the adsorbed ion was possible (98+/-1%). The results of this investigation suggested that the use of Apt in the micro-composite form with PAA significantly enhanced the adsorptive features of Apt.

Uranium and thorium sequestration by a Pseudomonas sp.: mechanism and chemical characterization

The mechanism and chemical nature of uranium and thorium sequestration by a Pseudomonas strain was investigated by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) used in the tapping mode elucidated the morphological changes in bacterial cells following uranium and thorium binding. Transmission electron microscopy revealed intracellular sequestration of uranium and thorium throughout the cell cytoplasm with electron dense microprecipitations of accumulated metals. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the cellular deposition of uranium and thorium. EDX and elemental analysis of sorption solution indicated the binding of uranium and thorium by the bacterial biomass via displacement of cellular potassium and calcium. The strong involvement of cellular phosphate, carboxyl and amide groups in radionuclide binding was ascertained by FTIR spectroscopy. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed cellular sequestration of crystalline uranium and thorium phosphates. Overall results indicate that a combined ion-exchange-complexation-microprecipitation mechanism could be involved in uranium and thorium sequestration by this bacterium. Atomic force microscopy and topography analysis revealed an undamaged cell surface with an increase in cell length, width and height following radionuclide accumulation. The arithmetic average roughness (R(a)) and root mean square (RMS) roughness (R(q)) values indicated an increase in surface roughness following uranium and thorium sequestration.

Sorption of Th(IV) onto iron corrosion products: EXAFS study

Long-term performance assessment of nuclear waste repositories is affected by the ability of the outer barrier systems to retain radionuclides after possible corrosive leakage of waste containers. The mobility of the radionuclides released from the spent fuel depends strongly on the processes that take place in the backfill material. The interaction of steel corrosion products and radionuclides is part of such a scenario. In this work, the sorption of Th(IV) onto 2-line-ferrihydrite (FeOOH x H2O) and magnetite (Fe3O4), used as models for steel corrosion products, has been studied using EXAFS spectroscopy. Sorption samples were prepared in 0.1 M NaClO4 solutions at acidic pH (initial pH values in the range 3.0-4.2) either from undersaturation and supersaturation conditions with respect to amorphous ThO2. Two oxygen subshells, one at 2.37 A and another at 2.54 A, were observed in the first hydration sphere of Th in the case of the ferrihydrite samples. Th-Fe distances for the different ferrihydrite samples are approximately 3.60 A. These results indicate a corner sharing surface complex of Th(IV) ion onto the ferrihydrite surface where the Th atom shares one O atom with each of two coordinated octahedra. The longer Th-O distance accounts for coordinated water molecules. No significant changes in the structural environment of Th in terms of coordination numbers and distances were detected as a function of Th(IV) concentration. Magnetite samples sorbing Th(IV) also showed also a strong distortion of the O shell, but in contrast to ferrihydrite, two types of nearest Fe atoms were detected at 3.50 A and 3.70 A. These results indicate that Th(IV) ion sorbs onto the magnetite surface as bidentate-corner sharing arrangements to [FeO6] octahedra and [FeO4] tetrahedra.

Adsorption of thorium from aqueous solutions by perlite

The use of expanded perlite for the adsorption of thorium from aqueous solution by batch technique is presented. The effects of particle size, pH of the solution, initial thorium concentration, shaking time, V/m ratio and temperature were determined. It was found that the adsorption capacity increases by the increase in the pH of the suspensions. The rate of thorium adsorption on expanded perlite was observed to be fast in the first hour of the reaction time. Adsorption isotherms were expressed by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models and the adsorption experiments conducted at 30 +/- 1 degrees C showed that the adsorption isotherms correlated well with the Langmuir model. From the adsorption data, thermodynamic parameters such as DeltaG(o), DeltaH(o) and DeltaS(o) were calculated as a function of temperature.

A novel malonamide grafted polystyrene-divinyl benzene resin for extraction, pre-concentration and separation of actinides

A new chelating polymeric extraction chromatographic resin was prepared by chemical anchoring of N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dibutyl malonamide (DMDBMA) with chloromethylated Merrifield resin((R)). The grafted resin exhibited stronger binding for hexavalent and tetravalent actinides such as U(VI), Th(IV) and Pu(IV) over trivalent actinides, viz. Am(III) and Pu(III). Batch studies on solid phase extraction performed over a wide range of acid solution (0.01-6M HNO(3)) revealed that ternary mixer of uranium, americium and plutonium or thorium, americium and plutonium could be separated from each other at 1M HNO(3). Desorption of U(VI), Pu(IV) and Am(III) from the loaded resin was efficiently carried out using 0.1M alpha-HIBA, 0.25M oxalic acid and 0.01M EDTA, respectively. Quantitative pre-concentration of actinide ions such as Th(IV) and U(VI) was possible from 3M HNO(3) solution. The practical utility of the grafted resin was evaluated by uranium sorption measurements in several successive cycles. The sorption efficiency of the resin with respect to uranyl ion remained unchanged even after 30 days of continuous use. The surface morphology of the resin was monitored with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.

Review of the complexation of tetravalent actinides by ISA and gluconate under alkaline to hyperalkaline conditions

Isosaccharinic (ISA) and gluconic acids (GLU) are polyhydroxy carboxylic compounds showing a high affinity to metal complexation. Both organic ligands are expected in the cementitious environments usually considered for the disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes. The hyperalkaline conditions imposed by cementitious materials contribute to the formation of ISA through cellulose degradation, whereas GLU is commonly used as a concrete additive. Despite the high stability attributed to ISA/GLU complexes of tetravalent actinides, the number and reliability of available experimental studies is still limited. This work aims at providing a general and comprehensive overview of the state of the art regarding Th, U(IV), Np(IV), and Pu(IV) complexes with ISA and GLU. In the presence of ISA/GLU concentrations in the range 10(-5)-10(-2) M and absence of calcium, An(IV)(OH)x(L)y complexes (An(IV)=Th, U(IV), Np(IV), Pu(IV); L=ISA, GLU) are expected to dominate the aqueous speciation of tetravalent actinides in the alkaline pH range. There is a moderate agreement among their stability, although the stoichiometry of certain An(IV)-GLU complexes is still ill-defined. Under hyperalkaline conditions and presence of calcium, the species CaTh(OH)4(L)2(aq) has been described for both ISA and GLU, and similar complexes may be expected to form with other tetravalent actinides. In the present work, the available thermodynamic data for An(IV)-ISA/GLU complexes have been reviewed and re-calculated to ensure the internal consistency of the stability constants assessed. Further modelling exercises, estimations based on Linear Free-Energy Relationships (LFER) among tetravalent actinides, as well as direct analogies between ISA and GLU complexes have also been performed. This approach has led to the definition of a speciation scheme for the complexes of Th, U(IV), Np(IV) and Pu(IV) with ISA and GLU forming in alkaline to hyperalkaline pH conditions, both in the absence and presence of calcium.

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of CoII, NiII, FeIII and ThIV complexes derived from 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3'-di(carboxymethyl)-1,1'-binaphthyl

The synthesis of 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3'-di(carboxymethyl)-1,1'-binaphthyl (H2L) and its novel metal complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Fe(III) and Th(IV) salts are reported. The ligand and its metal complexes have been characterized on the basis of analytical, conductance, spectral (IR, UV-vis, 1H NMR, mass) and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The Mössbauer spectrum of the Fe(III) complex indicates a low-spin octahedral geometry around the Fe(III) ion. The IR and 1H NMR spectral data show that the ligand behaves in a dibasic bidentate fashion coordinating to two metal atoms through the two deprotonated naphthyl OH groups and acts in a dibasic tetradentate manner using both carbonyl oxygen's and the deprotonated naphthyl OH groups coordinating to two metal ions. Thermal studies (TGA, DTA) confirm the presence of solvents either inside or outside the coordination sphere and support the mechanism of the decomposition process. The value of [alpha]D20 for the ligand has been determined in DMSO.

Photon emissions observed in the decay of 233Th

Stock solutions of (233)Th were produced by the (232)Th(n,gamma) reaction and multiple purifications were used to obtain relative intensities of weak transitions. Liquid scintillation counting (absolute disintegration rates) and gamma-ray spectroscopy with HPGe detectors yielded absolute photon intensities. Absolute intensities in % (with statistical uncertainties) of prominent radiations (L and K X-rays; 29, 86, and 459 keV gamma-rays) are 8.23(8), 1.32(10), 2.17(1), 1.843(2), and 0.989(2), respectively. These intensities are more precise and approximately 30% lower than previous results.

Use of o-phenylene dioxydiacetic acid impregnated in Amberlite XAD resin for separation and preconcentration of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV)

The impregnation of o-phenylene dioxydiacetic acid (OPDA) into a polymeric matrix, Amberlite XAD-2000, is reported and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy. The amount of attached OPDA to the polymer resin was found to be 1.77mmolg(-1) resin. The resin was used for the sorption of U(VI) and Th(IV) from aqueous solution. This sorbent was capable of preconcentrating U(VI) and Th(IV) from weakly acidic or neutral solution. The retained metals were eluted sequentially using 0.25molL(-1) HCl for U(VI) and 1molL(-1) HCl for Th(IV) and determined spectrophotometrically using arsenazo-(III). The capacity of the resin for U(VI) and Th(IV) was found to be 0.121 and 0.113mmolg(-1), respectively. The impregnated resin exhibits a high chemical stability, reusability and fast equilibration. The method was used for the determination of U(VI) and Th(IV) in synthetic samples and rock samples.

Adsorptive features of chitosan entrapped in polyacrylamide hydrogel for Pb2+, UO2(2+), and Th4+

Chitosan (Ch) was entrapped in polyacrylamide (PAA) by direct polymerization of acrylamide in a suspension of Ch. The adsorptive features of PAA-Ch and Ch were then investigated for Pb2+, UO2(2+), and Th4+ in view of dependency on ion concentration, temperature, and kinetics. Additional considerations were also given to their ion selectivity and reusability. Isotherms were L and H type of Giles classification and evaluated with reference to Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) models. PAA-Ch had higher adsorption capacity than Ch for all studied ions so that the sequences were Th4+>Pb2+>UO2(2+) concordantly with their affective ionic charges. The affinity of Ch in PAA increased for Pb2+ and UO2(2+) but did not change for Th4+. The values of enthalpy and entropy changed were positive for all studied ions for both Ch and PAA-Ch. The negative free enthalpy change value indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous in the sequence of Th4+>or=Pb2+>UO2(2+). Free energy values derived from DR model implied that the sorption process is the ion exchange. Well compatibility of adsorption kinetics to the pseudosecond-order model predicate that the rate-controlling step is a chemical sorption. The study for ion selectivity showed that both Ch and PAA-Ch had the highest affinity to Pb2+. The reusability tests for Ch and PAA-Ch for Pb2+ for five uses showed that complete recovery of the ion was possible. The studied features of PAA-Ch suggest that the material should be considered as a new adsorbent. It is envisaged that the use of Ch in PAA will enhance practicality and effectiveness of Ch in separation and removal procedures.

Evaluation of the binding of radiolabeled rituximab to CD20-positive lymphoma cells: an in vitro feasibility study concerning low-dose-rate radioimmunotherapy with the alpha-emitter 227Th

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with the alpha-emitter 227Th is currently under evaluation. 227Th is conjugated to the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, using the chelator p-isothiocyanato-benzyl-DOTA. In this study, the binding of 227Th-DOTA-p-benzyl-rituximab to three different CD-20-positive lymphoma cell lines, Raji, Rael, and Daudi, were evaluated. Equilibrium and kinetic binding experiments were used to determine binding parameters, including the association and dissociation rate constants, the equilibrium dissociation constants, and the total number of antigens for Raji, Rael, and Daudi cells. There were significant differences between the cell lines with respect to both Kd and the total number of antigens. Rael cells had more than three times as many antigens as the other two cell lines, and the functional Kd found for Rael cells was significantly higher than that found for Raji and Daudi cells. These results were confirmed using flow cytometry. Rituximab was found to be localized in patches on the cell membrane. The findings indicated that 227Th-labeled rituximab has relevant antigen-targeting properties for radioimmunotherapy.

Experimental and theoretical study of anion-exchange preparative chromatography for neptunium: the first application to thorium(IV) and its equilibrium and kinetics

In order to study equilibrium and kinetic parameters in anion-exchange chromatography for preparatory purpose, a quantitative model for nonlinear anion-exchange chromatography in porous media was constructed, by paying special attention to interstitial length along void structure (cm) distinguished from apparent length (cm*). Langmuir-type adsorption isotherm for thorium(IV), as a natural substitution for neptunium(IV), in 6 mol dm(-3) nitric acid to anion-exchanger MSA-1 (200-400 mesh) was investigated in batch-wise and chromatographic experiments. The equilibrium parameters determined by batch-wise experiments determined as k=2.4x10(2) mol(-1) dm3 s(-1) and s0=0.5 mol dm(-3) agrees very well with the values of k=222 mol(-1) dm3 s(-1) and s0=0.5 mol dm(-3) derived from fitting by the numerical calculation. Kinetic parameters of ks and D affect band profile similarly, thereby maximum value of each parameter was evaluated as ks=1.3 mol(-1) dm3 s(-1) and D=9x10(-4) cm2 s(-1) by the numerical calculations.

Analysis of sample of highly water-soluble Th-symmetric fullerenehexamalonic acid C66(COOH)12 by ion-chromatography and capillary electrophoresis

Ion chromatography (IC) was used to establish isomer purity of the highly water-soluble sample of fullerenehexamalonic acid, Th-symmetric hexakis-adduct C66(COOH)12. Sharp and symmetric peaks were obtained by IC using 1.0 M potassium hydroxide as eluent and applying gradient elution program. The identity of the two largest peaks in the chromatogram was assigned to Th-C66(COOH)12 and C66H(COOH)11. The developed IC procedure can be used for the semi-quantitative determination of the extent of the partial decarboxylation of the sample. As an alternative analytical technique, a CE procedure was introduced and its performance against IC was compared for this particular case.

Preparation and characterization of manganese dioxide impregnated resin for radionuclide pre-concentration

An easy and reproducible preparation of manganese dioxide impregnated resin of homogeneous particles has been described. The characteristics of radium, thorium, uranium and plutonium uptake (pH dependency, kinetic studies and matrix dependency) have been determined in batch mode. The resin due to its high efficiency for radium, uranium and thorium at neutral pH values can be an effective tool for radionuclide pre-concentration from liquid samples even with high dissolved solid content.

Sorption–desorption of Th(IV) on attapulgite: Effects of pH, ionic strength and temperature

The sorption of Th(IV) on attapulgite was studied as a function of pH, ionic strength, temperature, attapulgite contents and Th(IV) concentrations under ambient conditions using a batch technique. The results indicated that sorption of Th(IV) on attapulgite was strongly affected by pH values, and weakly dependent on ionic strength. Sorption of Th(IV) was dominated by surface complexation, although ion exchange also contributed to this sorption. Sorption of Th(IV) increased with increasing temperature of the system. Enthalpy (DeltaH(0)), entropy (DeltaS(0)) and Gibbs free energy (DeltaG(0)) were calculated from the temperature-dependent sorption data; the results indicated that the sorption of Th(IV) on attapulgite was a spontaneous process. Sorption-desorption hysteresis indicated that the sorption of Th(IV) was irreversible, and that the Th(VI) adsorbed on attapulgite was difficult to be desorbed from solid to liquid phases.

Complex formation reactions of lanthanum(III), cerium(III), thorium(IV), dioxouranyl(IV) complexes with tricine

Equilibrium studies for the heavy metal ions La(III), Ce(III), Th(IV) and UO2(IV) (M) complexes of the zwitterionic buffer tricine (L) in aqueous solution are investigated. Stoichiometry and stability constants for the different complexes formed as well as hydrolysis products of the metal cations are determined at 25 degrees C and ionic strength 0.1 M NaNO3. The stability of the formed complexes are discussed in terms of the nature of the heavy metal cation. The solid complexes are synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR, and TG analysis. The general molecular formulae of the obtained complexes is suggested to be [M(L)2](NO3)n-2(H2O)x, where n = the charge of the metal cation, x = no. of water molecules.

Standardisation of a 229Th solution

The use of (229)Th as tracer has become generalised for determination of naturally occurring alpha-emitting thorium isotopes. This paper describes two procedures that allow standardising (229)Th solutions of the order of Bq/g without the need of radiochemical separation of its daughters.

Chelation of ThIV, EuIII and NdIII by dianionic N,N′-bis(pyridoxylideneiminato)ethylene, (Pyr2en)2−. On the search of feasible modelings for heavy metals damage inhibition in living beings

The neutral Schiff base N,N'-bis(pyridoxylideneiminato)ethylene {H(2)pyr(2)en} reacts with Th(NO(3))4.4H2O, NdCl3.6H2O and EuCl3.6H2O to give [Th(pyr(2)en)2(H2O)] (1), [Nd(pyr(2)en)(Hpyr(2)en)].12H2O (2) and [Eu(pyr(2)en)(Hpyr(2)en)] (3). In the three not yet reported bimolecular chelate systems the endo hydroxyl groups of the rings undergo deprotonation confirming the remarkable ability of the pyridoxal-containing ligand H(2)pyr(2)en to yield stable heavy metal chelates with unusual coordination polyhedra. Complexes 2 and 3 show a coordination number 8 for Nd and Eu, achieving a distorted quadratic antiprism. In complex 1 the additional water molecule increases the coordination number of Th to 9 producing a capped square antiprism. The synthesis and structural elucidation of the title complexes starting from a probably non-toxic metabolite like H(2)pyr(2)en should represent a useful contribution to the research on models of prevention and therapy of damage caused by radioactive and heavy elements.