Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms

Yang-yang Zhang; Ni-jiao Chen; Huan Deng; Bo Zu

doi:10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

Volume 19 Issue 2

May 2026

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Water Science and Engineering > 2026 > 19(2): 257-268

Yang-yang Zhang, Ni-jiao Chen, Huan Deng, Bo Zu. 2026: Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms. Water Science and Engineering, 19(2): 257-268. doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

Citation:

Yang-yang Zhang, Ni-jiao Chen, Huan Deng, Bo Zu. 2026: Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms. Water Science and Engineering, 19(2): 257-268. doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

Citation:

Yang-yang Zhang, Ni-jiao Chen, Huan Deng, Bo Zu. 2026: Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms. Water Science and Engineering, 19(2): 257-268. doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

PDF( 0 KB)

Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms

doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

College of River and Ocean Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China

Funds:

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42207306) and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, China (Grant No. cstc2021jcyj-bshX0231).

Received Date: 2025-09-18
Accepted Date: 2026-03-12

Available Online: 2026-05-30

Abstract

Abstract

Composite systems of soil organic matter and iron hydroxides hold significant potential for the remediation of heavy metal pollution. However, the synergistic immobilization mechanisms of U(VI) by humin (HM)—iron hydroxide composites remain insufficiently understood. In this study, goethite (Ge)—HM and magnetite (Mag)—HM composites with varying C-to-Fe molar ratios were synthesized via co-precipitation, and their adsorption behavior and underlying mechanisms towards U(VI) in aqueous solutions were systematically investigated. The results showed that under conditions of a pH value of 5.0 and temperature of 298 K, the maximum U(VI) adsorption capacities of Ge—HM and Mag—HM reached 60.56 mg/g and 64.12 mg/g, respectively, significantly surpassing those of pure Ge (39.6 mg/g), Mag (22.5 mg/g), and HM (20.2 mg/g). Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption processes for both Ge—HM and Mag—HM conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating chemical reaction control. Isothermal adsorption results were well described by the Langmuir model, suggesting monolayer adsorption on the composite surfaces. Crucially, characterization results elucidated distinct reaction mechanisms. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses revealed that U(VI) primarily complexed with oxygen-containing functional groups, such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, on both composite surfaces, leading to stable immobilization. For Mag—HM, a notable reduction of U(VI) to U(IV) was observed, with XPS U 4f spectra showing characteristic U(IV) peaks, indicating a significant reductive immobilization pathway facilitated by the presence of both Mag and HM. In contrast, for the Ge—HM composite with a C-to-Fe ratio of 0.5, the complete consumption of Fe(II) after U(VI) adsorption, with its proportion in total Fe decreasing from 53.7% to zero, strongly suggested that Fe(II) played a key role in electron transfer during the immobilization process. This study elucidates the synergistic enhancement mechanisms of HM—iron hydroxide composites in U(VI) removal, providing new insights for developing green and efficient materials for the remediation of heavy metal pollution.
- Uranium,
- Humin,
- Goethite,
- Magnetite,
- Co-precipitation

FullText(HTML)

References(46)

References

[1]	Peng M, He J, Xue Y, Yang X, Liu S, Gong Z. Role of hypertension on the severity of COVID-19: a review. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2021; 78(5): e648-e655. https://doi.org/10.1097/fjc.0000000000001116.
[2]	Riddle MC, Buse JB, Franks PW, Knowler WC, Ratner RE, Selvin E, et al. COVID-19 in people with diabetes: urgently needed lessons from early reports. Diabetes Care. 2020; 43(7): 1378-1381. https://doi.org/10.2337/dci20-0024.
[3]	Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning. Eastern economic corridor public transit master plan 2020. [cited 2022 May 23]. Available from: https://www.otp.go.th/uploads/tiny_uploads/PDF/2564-11/25641113-ReportEEC-Sep64.pdf.
[4]	Lerskullawat A, Puttitanun T. Impact of migrants on communicable diseases in Thailand. BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1): 2016. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19503-9.
[5]	World Health Organization [WHO]. Guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being, revision. Geneva: WHO; 2022.
[6]	Viroonudomphol D, Poomlittikul P, Tanyalugsanakul S, Angkamat W. Factors associated with self-care behavior among elders under COVID-19 at Ban Bang Khae Social Welfare Development and Center. Interdisciplin Res Rev. 2022; 17(3): 7-11.
[7]	World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. Self care for health: a handbook for community health workers & volunteers. [cited 2023 May 25]. Available from: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/205887.
[8]	Berkman LF, Glass T, Brissette I, Seeman TE. From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Soc Sci Med. 2000; 51(6): 843-857. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0277-9536(00)00065-4.
[9]	Wayne WD. Biostatistics: a foundation for analysis in the health sciences. sixth ed. New York: Wiley & Sons; 1995.
[10]	Bunthan W, Whaikit P, Soysang V, Soynahk C, Akaratanapol P, Kompayak J. Factor influencing to health promotion behavior for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) prevention of older adults. J Police Nurse Health Sci. 2020; 12(2): 323-337.
[11]	Best JW. Research in education. fourth ed. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall; 1981.
[12]	Tabachnick BG, Fidel LS. Using multivariate statistics. sixth ed. Boston, MA: Pearson; 2013.
[13]	Jumnianpol S, Nuangjamnong N, Chimmamee N, Buathong T. Human security in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. [cited 2023 May 25]. Available from: https://www.jica.go.jp/Resource/jica-ri/publication/booksandreports/l75nbg00001a3qm6-att/7_Aging_Gawao.pdf.
[14]	Department of Disease Control. Situation of COVID-19 deaths in Thailand 2022. [cited 2022 May 23]. Available from: https://ddc.moph.go.th/covid19-dashboard/?dashboard=death-statistics. [in Thai].
[15]	Rungskunroch P, Triwanapong S, Wattanajitsiri V, Maneerat P. Assessing the viability of enhancing logistics and supply chain operations: a case study of the Eastern Economic Corridor. Urban Plan Transp Res. 2024; 12(1): 2379352. https://doi.org/10.1080/21650020.2024.2379352.
[16]	Policy Committee of the Eastern Economic Corridor. Eastern Economic Corridor development plan for the 2023-2027. [cited 2023 May 3]. Available from: https://eeco.or.th/web-upload/filecenter/draft01.pdf.
[17]	Ngamchaliew P, Kaewkuea N, Nonthasorn N, Vonnasrichan T, Rongsawat N, Rattanachai L, et al. Changes in preventive behaviour after COVID-19 vaccination in Thailand: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2022; 22(1): 2039. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14494-x.
[18]	Bandura A. Self-efficacy: the exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company; 1997.
[19]	Upake C, Nanthamongkolchai S, Taechaboonsermsak P, Yodmai K, Suksatan W. Factors predicting the coronavirus disease 2019 preventive behaviors of older adults: a cross-sectional study in Bangkok, Thailand. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(16): 10361. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610361.
[20]	Rotter JB. The psychological situation in social learning theory. In: Magnusson D, editor. Toward a psychology of situations: an interactional perspective. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum; 1981. p. 169-178.
[21]	Chen Y, Zhou R, Chen B, Chen H, Li Y, Chen Z, et al. Knowledge, perceived beliefs, and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among Chinese older adults: cross-sectional web-based survey. J Med Internet Res. 2020; 22(12): e23729. https://doi.org/10.2196/23729.
[22]	Yodmai K, Pechrapa K, Kittipichai W, Charupoonpol P, Suksatan W. Factors associated with good COVID-19 preventive behaviors among older adults in urban communities in Thailand. J Prim Care Commun Health. 2021; 12: 21501327211036251. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501327211036251.
[23]	Li F, Luo S, Mu W, Li Y, Ye L, Zheng X, et al. Effects of sources of social support and resilience on the mental health of different age groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psyc. 2021; 21(1): 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-03012-1.
[24]	Torres Z, Oliver A, Fernandez I. Older adults' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: the association with social networks. Soc Netw. 2024; 78: 164-172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2024.02.003.
[25]	Wedgeworth M, LaRocca MA, Chaplin WF, Scogin F. The role of interpersonal sensitivity, social support, and quality of life in rural older adults. Geriatr Nurs. 2017; 38(1): 22-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.07.001.
[26]	Settels J, Bockerman P. The effects of COVID-19-era unemployment and business closures upon the physical and mental health of older Europeans: mediation through financial circumstances and social activity. SSM Popul Health. 2023; 23: 101419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101419.
[27]	Vlachantoni A, Evandrou M, Falkingham J, Qin M. The impact of changing social support on older persons' onset of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Gerontol. 2022; 62(8): 1147-1159. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnac033.
[28]	Phatharapreeyakul L, Kraithaworn P, Piaseu N. Perceived social isolation, self-care behaviors and health status among community dwelling older adults living alone. Bangkok Med J. 2016; 11: 17-23. https://doi.org/10.31524/bkkmedj.2016.02.004.
[29]	Bermejo-Martins E, Luis EO, Sarrionandia A, Martinez M, Garces MS, Oliveros EY, et al. Different responses to stress, health practices, and self-care during COVID-19 lockdown: a stratified analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18(5): 2253. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052253.
[30]	Hu Y, Qian Y. COVID-19, inter-household contact and mental well-being among older adults in the US and the UK. Front Sociol. 2021; 6: 714626. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2021.714626.
[31]	Waelveerakup W, Suwannasarn K, Othaganont P. Self-care of older adults living alone during the covid-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. J Prachomklao College of Nurs, Phetchaburi Province. 2025; 8(1): 18-31. [in Thai].
[32]	Ilgaz A, Sert E, Gozum S, Oncel S. Experiences of elderly living alone during the covid-19 pandemic: a phenomenological research. Clinic Experiment Health Sci. 2025; 15(1): 147-156. https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1507625.
[33]	Napalai P, Seangpraw K, Boonyathee S, Ong-Artborirak P. COVID-19-related knowledge influences mental health, self-care behaviors, and quality of life among elderly with non-communicable diseases in Northern Thailand. Front Public Health. 2022; 10: 993531. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.993531.
[34]	Michie S, West R, Harvey N. The concept of "fatigue" in tackling covid-19. BMJ. 2020; 371: m4171. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m4171.
[35]	Sorensen K, Van den Broucke S, Fullam J, Doyle G, Pelikan J, Slonska Z, et al. Health literacy and public health: a systematic review and integration of definitions and models. BMC Public Health. 2012; 12(1): 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-80.
[36]	Chinn D. Critical health literacy: a review and critical analysis. Soc Sci Med. 2011; 73(1): 60-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.04.004.
[37]	McCambridge J, Witton J, Elbourne DR. Systematic review of the Hawthorne effect: new concepts are needed to study research participation effects. J Clin Epidemiol. 2014; 67(3): 267-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.08.015.
[38]	Shibly, M.A.H., Tahsin, A.A., Chisty, M.A.H., 2023. Ultrasonication-aided dye extraction from waste onion peel and eco-friendly dyeing on organic cotton fabric with enhanced efficacy in color fixation. Chem. Pap. 77, 4345-4353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11696-023-02783-7.
[39]	ThomasArrigo, L.K., Kaegi, R., Kretzschmar, R., 2019. Ferrihydrite growth and transformation in the presence of ferrous iron and model organic ligands. Environ. Sci. Technol. 53(23), 13636-13647. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b03952.
[40]	Tipping, E., 1981. The adsorption of aquatic humic substances by iron oxides. Geochem. Cosmochim. Acta 45(2), 191-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(81)90162-9.
[41]	Wang, Y., Wang, J., Li, P., Qin, H., Liang, J., Fan, Q., 2021. The adsorption of U(VI) on magnetite, ferrihydrite and goethite. Environ. Technol & Innovation 23, 101615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101615.
[42]	Xiong, J., Koopal, L.K., Weng, L., Wang, M., Tan, W., 2015. Effect of soil fulvic and humic acid on binding of Pb to goethite-water interface: Linear additivity and volume fractions of HS in the Stern layer. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 457, 121-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.001.
[43]	Yan, S., Hua, B., Bao, Z., Yang, J., Liu, C., Deng, B., 2010. Uranium(VI) removal by nanoscale zerovalent iron in anoxic batch systems. Environ. Sci. Technol. 44(2), 7783-7789. https://doi.org/10.1021/es9036308.
[44]	Zeng, H., Singh, A., Basak, S., Ulrich, K.-U., Sahu, M., Biswas, P., Catalano, J.G., Giammar, D.E., 2009. Nanoscale size effects on uranium(VI) adsorption to hematite. Environ. Sci. Technol. 43(5), 1373-1378. https://doi.org/10.1021/es802334e.
[45]	Zhang, J., Wang, S., Wang, Q., Wang, N., Li, C., Wang, L., 2013. First determination of Cu adsorption on soil humin. Environ. Chem. Lett. 11, 41-46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-012-0375-1.
[46]	Zhang, W., Zheng, J., Zheng, P., Tsang, D.C.W., Qiu, R., 2015. The roles of humic substances in the interactions of phenanthrene and heavy metals on the bentonite surface. J. Soils Sediments 15, 1463-1472. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-015-1112-8.

Relative Articles

Supplements(0)

Cited By

Proportional views

Proportional views

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142

Figures(1)

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Article Metrics

Article views (42) PDF downloads(0)

Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms

doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

Abstract

References

Proportional views

Catalog

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

Article Metrics

Proportional views

Related

Synergistic enhancement of uranium(VI) immobilization by humin—iron hydroxide composites: Performance and mechanisms

doi: 10.1016/j.wse.2026.03.003

Abstract

References

Proportional views

Catalog

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

Article Metrics

Proportional views

Related

Export File

Citation

Format

Content