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Determination of radium-224, -226, and -228 by coincidence spectrometry

Journal Article · · Anal. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00237a015· OSTI ID:5828568

A radiochemical technique for the quantitative determination of /sup 224/Ra, /sup 226/Ra, and /sup 228/Ra which affords high sensitivity measurements and high sample throughput with a minimum number of chemical steps is described. The basis of the technique is the coincidence measurement of the characteristic particle-photon emissions of the isotopes: the ..cap alpha..-..gamma.. coincidence emissions of /sup 224/Ra and /sup 226/Ra and the ..beta..-..gamma.. coincidence emissions of /sup 228/Ac, the first short-lived decay product of /sup 228/Ra. The radiochemical procedure for a water medium and the nuclear measurements technique and calibration are described. Under normal operating conditions, minimum detectable concentrations of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 pCi/L can be attained for /sup 224/Ra, /sup 226/Ra, and /sup 228/Ra, respectively, based on a 1-L sample and 200-min count.

Research Organization:
Yankee Atomic Electric Co., Framingham, MA
OSTI ID:
5828568
Journal Information:
Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 53:14; ISSN ANCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English