Saad, D.M.Cukrowska, E.Tutu, H.2016-11-092016-11-092015-03Saad, D.M., Cukrowska, E. and Tutu, H. 2015. Column adsorption studies for the removal of U by phosphonated cross-linked polyethylenimine: modelling and optimization. Applied Water Science 5(1), pp.57-63.2190-5487 (Print)2190-5495 (Online)http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21438A continuous fixed-bed adsorption study was carried out by using phosphonated cross-linked polyethylenimine as an adsorbent for the removal of uranium (U) from aqueous solutions. The effect of inlet metal ion concentration (40, 70, and 100 mg L-1), feed flow rate (1, 2, and 3 mL min(-1)), and polymer bed height (2.5, 3.2 and 4.5 cm) on the breakthrough characteristics of the fixed-bed adsorption system at pH 2 were studied. The results showed that the breakthrough time appeared to increase with increase of bed height but decreased with increase of both influent U concentration and flow rate. Modelling of the dynamics of the fixed-bed adsorption process was studied and the application of different models to describe the breakthrough curves showed that the Thomas and Yoon-Nelson model gave better results for the operating conditions.en© The Author(s) 2014. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.comUranium removalBreakthrough curvesFixed-bed columnsHEAVY-METALS; BIOSORPTION; COMPLEXATION; IONS; BEDHEAVY-METALSBIOSORPTIONCOMPLEXATIONIONSBEDArticle