PENYERAPAN THORIUM DARI TANAH TERCEMAR LIMBAH PABRIK KAOS LAMPU PETROMAKS DENGAN RESIN PENUKAR KATION DAN IMOBILISASI DENGAN POLIMER

Abstract

ABSTRACT The lantern mantle waste of petromax contains thorium that have the radiation hazard potential to workers, civilians, and environment if not managed properly. The research on the absorption of thorium from waste soil of the petromax lantern mantle factory with cation exchange resins and the best waste loading choice for the immobilization of thorium saturated resins using a epoxy polymer has been done. Waste that is used is a simulated thorium waste. Research carried out by varying the pH and contact time. The results of selected variables at the optimum contact time and optimum pH will be used to make thorium saturated resins to be immobilized with epoxy polymer with a variety of waste content (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 % by weight). Testing the quality of the immobilization result includes density by using the sliding-term, compressive strength using a Hydraulic Pressure tester, and leaching test using a Soxhlet. The optimum condition for thorium absorption by amberlite IR 120 Na cation exchange resins obtained at a contact time of 80 minutes and at pH 9 with absorption efficiency of 83,03 %. Based on the density, compressive strength, and leaching rate, the best result waste-polymer block is on the waste content of 30 %. In that condition the waste-polymer block density is 1,014 gram/cm3, compressive strength of 16,2 kN/cm2, and undetected leaching rate. The measurement results show the addition of thorium saturated resins content in waste-polymer block will increase density and lower compressive strength, where as leaching test is undetected. Keywords : Absorption, thorium waste, cation exchange resins, epoxy polymer