237 Np analytical method using 239 Np tracers and application to a contaminated nuclear disposal facility

Snow, Mathew S.; Morrison, Samuel S.; Clark, Sue B.; Olson, John E.; Watrous, Matthew G.

doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.02.018

237 Np analytical method using 239 Np tracers and application to a contaminated nuclear disposal facility

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2017 · Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.02.018· OSTI ID:1372000

Snow, Mathew S.; Morrison, Samuel S.; Clark, Sue B.; Olson, John E.;

Environmental 237Np analyses are challenged by low 237Np concentrations and lack of an available yield tracer; we report a rapid, inexpensive 237Np analytical approach employing the short lived 239Np (t1/2 = 2.3 days) as a chemical yield tracer followed by 237Np quantification using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 239Np tracer is obtained via separation from a 243Am stock solution and standardized using gamma spectrometry immediately prior to sample processing. Rapid digestions using a commercial, 900 watt “Walmart” microwave and Parr microwave vessels result in 99.8 ± 0.1% digestion yields, while chromatographic separations enable Np/U separation factors on the order of 106 and total Np yields of 95 ± 4% (2σ). Application of this method to legacy soil samples surrounding a radioactive disposal facility (the Subsurface Disposal Area at Idaho National Laboratory) reveal the presence of low level 237Np contamination within 600 meters of this site, with maximum 237Np concentrations on the order of 103 times greater than nuclear weapons testing fallout levels.

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

DOE Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 1372000

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA-121395; DN2003000

Journal Information:: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Journal Issue: C Vol. 172; ISSN 0265-931X

Publisher:: Elsevier

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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