METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING TRACE LEVELS OF FLUORESCENT MINERALS IN WATER

摘要

Methods and devices to rapidly detect trace levels of water soluble fluorescent mineral species such as uranium in aqueous fluids (e.g. water) are provided. The methods and devices involve sequestration of cationic forms of the water soluble fluorescent mineral species (e.g. the uranium oxycation uranyl, UO₂²⁺) via pressurized fluid flow through a porous silica gel medium, to enhance natural fluorescence and increase the speed of detection.