Binding mechanism of strontium to biopolymer hydrogel composite materials

Abstract Strontium-90 is a radionuclide of concern that mobile in soil and groundwater threat to life. Activated hydrogel biopolymer composites were fabricated for strontium remediation from groundwater. Batch uptake demonstrated maximal stontium capacity 109 mg g ?1 , much higher than unactivated controls. Activation also more doubled the decontamination factor at environmentally relevant concentrations. EXAFS was used investigate binding mechanism, revealing inner sphere complexation first time. Biopolymer composities synthesized these studies are sustainable cheap materials exhibit good binding.