Sorption studies of cesium and cobalt in single and binary systems using Greek Petrota zeolite

The sorption properties of a Greek zeolite for cesium and cobalt in single and binary systems were investigated. The sorption experiments were undertaken in aqueous solutions of pH 8, concentration range 10–500 mg L$^{−1}$ and the metal concentration was determined by analytical (ICP-OES) and radiochemical techniques (γ-spectrometry using radiotracers of $^{137}$Cs and $^{60}$Co). Sorption isotherms in single and binary systems were reproduced by empirical and chemical models and the sorption capacity reached the theoretical maximum of 81.3 and 63.7 mg g$^{−1}$ for Cs and Co respectively. The sorption process was studied through XRD, FTIR, autoradiography and SEM–EDS, whereas the environmental compatibility tests proved the safe sequestration of the loaded zeolite.