title: Colorimetric detection of uranium(VI) on building surfaces after enrichment by solid phase extraction.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: United States Naval Academy, Chemistry Department, 572 Holloway Road, Stop 9b, Annapolis, MD 20639, USA.
authors.forename: Philip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Greene
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Copper
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Berv
authors.forename: Jeremy D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Ramsey
authors.forename: Greg E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Collins