Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of removing uranium from a uranium containing aqueous medium. The method comprises a step of contacting the medium with magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise mesoporous silica and iron oxide. The nanoparticles may also comprise a functionalized surface obtained by grafting or covalently bonding a functional molecule to the nanoparticle.

Abstract: Methods are described for the removal of highly soluble radioactive anions, e.g., radioactive technetium and/or radioiodide, from an aqueous solution. The methods utilize a sequestering agent that includes an organoclay, i.e., a clay with an intercalated cationic quaternary amine, as a sorbent for highly soluble radioactive anions that are present within an aqueous solution. In exemplary embodiments, the method can be utilized to treat aqueous waste at a nuclear power facility or to treat a groundwater contamination site or a soil or sediment contaminated site.