Colorimetric detection of uranium(VI) on building surfaces after enrichment by solid phase extraction.
A method for detecting and quantifying uranium(VI) levels on building materials that include concrete, Plexiglas, glass and steel surfaces is presented. Uranium(VI) was extracted from building material surfaces using a pH 2.2 buffer rinse and, subsequently complexed by an organic chelating agent, arsenazo III. The application of a uranium-chelating molecule, arsenazo III, allows for concentration enhancement using C(18) solid phase extraction and colorimetric detection of the uranium complex using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy at 654nm. The method has a detection limit (based on 3sigma) of 40ng/L (5ng/cm(2)) and an overall extraction efficiency greater than 80% for each surface type (concrete, Plexiglas, glass, steel). Methods to prevent interference by metal ions commonly found on building materials are discussed.
Greene
Philip A
PA
United States Naval Academy, Chemistry Department, 572 Holloway Road, Stop 9b, Annapolis, MD 20639, USA.
Copper
Christine L
CL
Berv
David E
DE
Ramsey
Jeremy D
JD
Collins
Greg E
GE