The effect of ultrasound on the sulfuric acid leaching of uranium by use of MnO2 as a oxidant

ABSTRACT The paper reported sonochemical leaching of uranium from black shale in Fe2+-containing sulfuric acid solution of pH 2 using MnO2 as an oxidant. Ultrasound enhanced uranium leaching at the initial time but suppressed it over a prolonged time. In addition, the amount of MnO2-input was increased for ultrasonic leaching than conventional leaching at the same time. It was understood that ultrasonic leaching conditions should be optimized to achieve a positive effect. Faster leaching of uranium and reduced consumption of MnO2 could be found under the optimum condition of leaching up to ca. 85% at the sonication power of 25 W.