title: Radiotracers for the determination of the accuracy of trace element analyses.
abstract: Many analytical techniques for the determination of trace elements in environmental samples are plagued by ill-defined systematic errors. Investigations of analytical techniques with radioactively labelled analytes can identify systematic errors, lead to their elimination, and can improve the accuracy of the results. Radiotracers are directly detected with high sensitivity and great rapidity in most cases by gamma-ray counters. Examples of the use of radiotracer techniques for the investigation of the following steps of analytical procedures are presented: presampling events, sampling and sample handling, mineralization of samples, separation and preconcentration, and determination. Most of the examples discussed in the text were taken from the analytical chemistry of mercury, sulfur, lead, sodium, zinc and selenium. Other examples are summarized in tables. The results of these investigations clearly show the superiority of the radiotracer technique over other techniques. A more frequent use of the radiotracer technique in investigations aimed at improving the accuracy of analytical procedures is certainly desirable.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Krivan
mesh_terms: D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D011865:Radioisotope Dilution Technique; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements; D014873:Water Pollutants; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive