Abstract: To explore a stable, fast, and suitable method for uranium enrichment and separation from environment water samples, this study used N-235 extraction, TBP extraction chromatography, and ion exchange methods to enrich and separate uranium from freshwater and seawater samples. The experimental procedures and effects were compared. The results showed that: the recovery rates of uranium from environment seawater and freshwater samples using the N-235 extraction method were 73.3%±5.6% and 69.5%±8.2%; while the recovery rates using TBP extraction chromatography method were 88.6%±4.1% and 58.9%±5.0%; the recovery rates of uranium using ion exchange method were 74.9%±10.1% and 57.7%±7.6%. With consideration of the recovery rates, experiment time and waste recovery, etc, it was indicated that the TBP extraction chromatography method was better for enriching and separating uranium from environment water samples.

Key words: uranium, enrichment and separation, N-235 extraction, TBP extraction chromatography, ion exchange methods, method recovery rate