Rapid methods for analysis of actinides in environmental samples and their applications in radiation protection

Rapid and sensitive methods for analysis of low level actinides in complicated sample matrices are very much needed. Depending on sample types and chemical properties of actinides, different analytical methods have been developed. In this paper, sensitive, accurate and rapid methods for analysis of actinides in environmental and biological samples are reviewed. Various radiochemical separation techniques for sample preparation, including sample dissolution, preconcentration, purification, and preparation of counting source, are summarized and compared. Details about sample pre-treatment, selection of radiotracer, radiochemical separation and purification methods (e.g., co-precipitation, solvent extraction, column chromatographic separation) are also discussed. Rapid batch processing methods with short turnaround time and high sample analysis throughput are emphasized. In addition, the state of the art analytical techniques for low level measurement of actinides in environmental and biological samples, including radiometric (α spectrometry and liquid scintillation counting) and mass spectrometric analysis (ICPMS, TIMS and AMS), have been reviewed. The major applications in radiation protection and related fields are covered, with particular focuses on personnel monitoring for internal dosimetry, environmental radioactivity monitoring, environmental tracing, radiological and nuclear emergency and nuclear forensic analysis. (authors)