Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-2plfb Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T14:59:47.054Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Plutonium, protactinium, uranium and thorium isotopes determination in environmental samples by SF ICP-MS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 June 2005

M. Agarande
Affiliation:
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Bâtiment 501, Bois des rames, 91400 Orsay, France
S. Schmidt
Affiliation:
UMR 5805 EPOC, Département de Géologie et d'Océanographie, 33405 Talence, France
A. M. Neiva-Marques
Affiliation:
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Bâtiment 501, Bois des rames, 91400 Orsay, France
P. Bouisset
Affiliation:
Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Bâtiment 501, Bois des rames, 91400 Orsay, France
Get access

Abstract

Alpha spectrometry is the most commonly used analytical tool for the determination of Pu, Am, Pa, U and Th long live radionuclides. Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and acceleration mass spectrometry (AMS) are also still considered as primary methods for the determination of their isotope ratios. Spectrometers with plasma ion sources now offer another efficient alternative method with the development of sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF ICP-MS). This paper summarizes the development work performed and results obtained using this technique for the analysis of such radionuclides. Isotopic ratios and ultra trace levels of man made radionuclides like 239, 240, 241 plutonium but also naturally occurring species like 231 protactinium, 234, 235, 238 uranium and 230, 232 thorium were determined in different field samples and reference materials using a micro concentric nebulizer as an introduction system for the mass spectrometer. Prior to the mass spectrometric measurements these elements were isolated from major elements by different selective precipitations. In further steps, they were purified by anion exchange. Results of isotope ratios including plutonium ones are also discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© EDP Sciences, 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)