The development of emergency radioanalytical techniques for the determination of radiostrontium and transuranic radioisotopes in environmental materials
Environmental monitoring procedures have been introduced which are designed to provide a rapid response by the nuclear industry in the event of a nuclear emergency. Within three hours of sample receipt the laboratory is now capable of screening up to 80 samples by total alpha/beta determination and gamma spectrometry. This rapid screening would enable the identification of samples of particular interest. Radiochemical analytical methodology is in place which would then enable the determination of transuranic radioisotopes and radiostrontium ({sup 89}Sr and {sup 90}Sr) within a period of 24 hours from sample receipt to reporting of results. The Limit of Detection achievable via this methodology is of the order of 10% of the Commission for the European Communities restriction level. Typically, the 2{sigma}-counting uncertainty associated with these measurements is in the range 10--50%. As such, this methodology is appropriate for the urgent provision of reassurance or informed advice in the event of radionuclide release. Improvements in batch analysis time have been achieved by the use of microwave enhanced sample digestion techniques, commercially available extraction resins, optimization of conventional radiochemistry procedures and the utilization of combined Cerenkov and triple channel liquid scintillation counting techniques. Sample calculation and management is facilitated by a computerized Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- OSTI ID:
- 350230
- Journal Information:
- Radioactivity and Radiochemistry, Vol. 9, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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