Detection and quantification of trace technetium in the presence of molybdenum using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Andrews, Hunter B.; Murphy, Zachary; Martinez, Mauro; Lucchi, John; Anagnostopoulos, Vasileios A.; Baudelet, Matthieu

doi:10.1039/D5JA00319A

Detection and quantification of trace technetium in the presence of molybdenum using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Journal Article · Tue Nov 18 00:00:00 EST 2025 · Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/D5JA00319A· OSTI ID:3007899

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (United States)
Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (United States); Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (United States)

Technetium (Tc) is a very important element that is encountered in many aspects, from its presence in radioactive waste and its potential environmental impact to its use as a medical radioisotope. Its detection and quantification in liquid samples is traditionally cumbersome, involving detailed sample preparation and analysis by mass spectrometry or scintillation. This article demonstrates the first comprehensive emission spectral analysis of Tc from a liquid sample by immobilization in a polymer and analysis by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A survey of LIBS spectra was completed to identify the strongest analytical lines for quantification of trace Tc in the presence of Mo. The quantification of Tc in a Mo-containing matrix was selected because Tc radioisotopes are the daughter products of Mo isotope decay. The first reported calibration curves by LIBS are provided with limits of detection and quantification down to 0.710 µg mL⁻¹ and 1.39 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. Ultimately, this study demonstrated the feasibility of trace Tc quantification using LIBS and will serve as a reference for future research related to monitoring this radioactive species.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Reactor Fleet and Advanced Reactor Development

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 3007899

Journal Information:: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Journal Name: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry Vol. 41; ISSN 0267-9477; ISSN 1364-5544

Publisher:: Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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