Analytical method for the determination of gross beta, Sr-90, Ra-226 and Pu isotopes in environmental samples

摘要

This study presents analytical methods for the determination of gross beta, Sr-90, Ra-226 and Pu isotopes using samples in the IAEA-TEL-2015-04 ALMERA Proficiency Test exercise. Samples for gross beta were prepared by evaporation and then analyzed using a gas proportional counter. Sr-90 in the liquid sample was concentrated as SrCO3 precipitates and purified by Sr resin. Pu isotopes and Sr-90 in the soil sample were extracted from the sample by mineral acid leaching and separated using TEVA and Sr resin, respectively. Pu isotopes were determined by alpha spectrometry and Sr-90 were determined with a liquid scintillation counter. Radium in the soil sample was extracted by LiBO2 fusion, and the radon-emanation method using LSC was applied for the determination of Ra-226.