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Determination of actinides in environmental samples using an automated batch preconcentration/matrix elimination system

Conference ·
OSTI ID:466554
 [1];  [2]
  1. CETAC Technologies Inc., Omaha, NE (United States)
  2. Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
The determination of thorium, uranium, and uranium progeny (e.g. {sup 226}Ra) in environmental samples is of considerable interest in terms of human health. Traditional radiochemical determinations of long-lived radioisotopes often require rigorous chemical separations and long duration measurements by techniques such as {alpha}-spectrometry. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) offers sub-ppt (1 ng/L) detection limits for the actinides with minimal sample preparation and high sample throughput. However, sample preconcentration and/or matrix elimination is required to achieve required detection limits below 1ppq (1 pg/L). This paper describes a batch preconcentration/matrix elimination system for off-line sample preparation. An aliquot of an actinide selective polymer beads is added to a sample and pumped through a filter. Unbound sample matrix components are washed to waste then the beads with bound actinides are released in a small volume. The preconcentrate is then introduced to the ICP-MS by pneumatic or ultrasonic nebulization. Data for a variety of natural water matrices (well, spring, lake, river, and tapwater) will be presented.
OSTI ID:
466554
Report Number(s):
CONF-951017--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English