Application of Electrochemically Synthesized Ferrates (VI) for the Removal of Th(IV) From Natural Water Samples

Abstract

The efficiency of the application of electrochemically generated Na₂FeO₄, for the purpose of the elimination of Th(IV) ions from water samples as coagulating agent was investigated. Th is a radioactive element often used as a fuel for nuclear reactors. The continuous exposure to Th(IV) may cause cancer of the pancreas, bone or lung. Analyzed natural water samples spiked with Th(IV) were treated with solution of ferrates (VI) under recommended conditions of electrochemically synthesized ferrates solution and Th(IV) was quantified by established kinetic method. Removal of Th(IV) ions by ferrates (VI) was successfully confirmed by comparison of the concentration of Th(IV) before and after ferrates (VI) treatment of spiked analyzed water samples. A simple kinetic-spectrophotometric method was successfully applied to determine Th(IV) concentration, indicating the decrease in the concentration of Th(IV) in water samples applying ferrate (VI).