For this study, magnetic composite of zeolite-magnetite was prepared by mixing magnetite nanoparticles suspension with synthetic zeolite. The nanoparticles in suspension were synthesized by precipitating iron ions in a NaOH solution. The zeolite was synthesized from coal fly ash by alkaline hydrothermal treatment. The magnetic composite was characterized by XDR, SEM, magnetization measurements, IR, and BET surface area. Batch tests were carried out to investigate the adsorption of metal ions of Zn2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution onto magnetic composite. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The adsorption equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir equation with maximum adsorption capacities in the range of 28.5-127 mg g-1.

Activities related to nuclear industry, production of phosphoric acid and hospitals have generated considerable volumes of radioactive waste containing uranyl ions. Banana pith was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and was investigated as a biosorbent for uranyl ions from nitric solutions by batch experiments. Influences of adsorbent size, kinetics and equilibrium adsorption were studied. The biosorption of the uranyl ions followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The adsorption isotherm data were closely fitted to the Freundlich equation.