Adsorption of uranium from acidic solution by microbes and effect of thorium on uranium adsorption by Streptomyces levoris.

The adsorption of uranium from an acidic solution by microbes was examined. High uranium adsorption ability was exhibited by actinomycetes. Streptomyces levoris cells could adsorb about 380 micromol of uranium per gram dry cells from the solution. The cells could adsorb uranium over a wide acidic pH range and very rapidly. The amount of uranium adsorbed from a solution containing uranium and thorium was affected by the thorium concentration. The amount adsorbed was reduced and an uranyl-thorium ion exchange reaction occurred in the case of adsorption from a solution containing both metals.