Method development for plutonium analysis in environmental water samples using TEVA microextraction chromatography separation and low background liquid scintillation counter measurement

摘要

A convenient method was developed for rapid determination of Pu in environmental water samples. The analytical procedure involves preconcentration of Pu using TEVA extraction chromatography implemented in a vacuum box setup, and measurement of Pu239+240 by low background liquid scintillation counter (LSC). Chromatographic behaviors of plutonium, uranium, thorium, and americium were investigated, and the size of chromatographic column, concentration and flow rate of uploaded medium/washing liquid, and composition of eluent of Pu(Cl-)(6)(2-)-on TEVA column were explored. The results show that all the above factors affect the adsorption and desorption of Pu(Cl-)(6)(2-)-on TEVA column. Decontamination factors of more than 1 x 10(4) for uranium and 1 x 10(3) for thorium and americium were achieved. Chemical yields of plutonium in the overall procedure range from 70% to 98% and a detection limit of 6 x 10(-3) Bq L-1 in 60 thin counting time for 5 L of water samples were obtained. The method has been successfully applied for rapid and effective determination of low level Pu in water samples. The analytical results show a good agreement with the values obtained using the conventional method. Compared with the conventional analytical procedure, the time consumption and labor intensiveness of the new procedure were greatly reduced and the analysis throughput was greatly increased with low analysis cost. The method is applicable to routine and emergency radiometric assays. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.