title: Separation and measurement of thorium, plutonium, americium, uranium and strontium in environmental matrices.
abstract: A technique for the isolation of thorium (Th), plutonium (Pu), americium (Am), uranium (U) and strontium (Sr) isotopes from various environmental matrices has been adapted from a previously published method specific to water samples (Maxwell, 2006). Separation and isolation of the various elemental fractions from a single sub-sample is possible, thereby eliminating the need for multiple analyses. The technique involves sample dissolution, concentration via calcium phosphate co-precipitation, rapid column extraction using TEVA™, TRU™ and Sr-Spec™ resin cartridges, alpha spectrometry for Th, Pu, U and Am and Cerenkov counting for Sr. Various standard reference materials were analysed and chemical yields are in the range of 70-80% for Th, Am, U and Sr and 50-60% for Pu. Sample sizes of up to 10 L for water, 5 g for dry soil and sediment and 10 g for dry vegetation and seaweed can be processed using this technique.
authors.affiliation: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Menai. jennifer.harrison@ansto.gov.au
authors.forename: Jennifer J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Atun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zawadzki
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chisari
authors.forename: Henri K Y
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D008671:Actinoid Series Elements / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014867:Water / Q000032:analysis; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D008671:Actinoid Series Elements; D012987:Soil; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive; D013326:Strontium Radioisotopes; D014875:Water Pollutants, Radioactive; D014867:Water