Validated measurements of the uranium isotopic signature in human urine samples using magnetic sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Increased interest in measuring uranium isotope ratios in environmental samples (biological materials, soils, dust particles, water) has come from the necessity to assess the health impact of the use of depleted uranium (DU) based ammunitions during recent military conflicts (e.g., Gulf war, Kosovo) and from the need to identify nondeclared nuclear activities (nuclear safeguards). In this context, very important decisions can arise which have to be based on measurement data of nondisputable uncertainty. The present study describes the certification to 2.5% (k = 2) relative combined uncertainty of n(235U)/n(238U) at ultralow uranium levels (approximately 5-20 pg g(-1)) in human urine samples. After sample decomposition and matrix separation, the isotope ratios were measured by means of a single-detector magnetic sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrument fitted with an ultrasonic nebulizer. Correction for mass discrimination effects was obtained by means of the certified isotopic reference material IRMM-184. The analytical procedure developed was validated in three complementary ways. First, all major sources of uncertainty were identified and propagated together following the ISO/GUM guidelines. Second, this quality was controlled with a matrix matching NUSIMEP-3 sample (approximately 0.06-0.7% difference from certified). Third, the instrumental part of the procedure was proven to be reproducible from the confirmation of the results obtained for three samples remeasured 7 months later (approximately 1.5% difference). The results obtained for 33 individuals indicated that none seemed to have been exposed to contamination by DU.
Tresl
Ivan
I
European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg, B-2440 Geel, Belgium.
De Wannemacker
Günther
G
Quétel
Christophe R
CR
Petrov
Ivan
I
Vanhaecke
Frank
F
Moens
Luc
L
Taylor
Philip D P
PD
D006801:Humans; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000652:urine*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014501:Uranium / Q000652:urine*
D007554:Isotopes; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D014501:Uranium