title: A rapid method for alpha-spectrometric analysis of radium isotopes in natural waters using ion-selective membrane technology.
abstract: An alpha-spectrometric method for the rapid determination of radium isotopes (223Ra, 224Ra and 226Ra) in environmental samples is presented. Using Empore Radium Rad Disks complete separation of the target radionuclides is achieved. The high selectivity of these Rad Disks allows the straightforward use of 225Ra as yield tracer. Chemical yield is up to 92 +/- 9%. The chemical procedure can be accomplished within 5h. Alpha-sources show energy resolution in the range of typically 26-40 keV (FWHM). Despite minimal thickness of the sources no significant radon (Rn) losses can be observed.
authors.affiliation: Geomar, Research Center for Marine Geosciences, Wischhofstr 1-3, Kiel D-24148, Germany. spurkl@geomar.de
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Purkl
authors.forename: Anton
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eisenhauer
mesh_terms: D000512:Alpha Particles; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods; D004595:Electroplating / Q000379:methods; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis*; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D011883:Radium / Q000032:analysis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012623:Seawater / Q000032:analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D013910:Thorium; D014462:Ultrafiltration / Q000379:methods; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007554:Isotopes; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive; C026062:thorium X; D013910:Thorium; D011883:Radium