Some considerations of analytical chemical methodology relevant to testing of leachates from radioactive solids

The analysis of leachate derived from simulated radioactive solids provides an interesting challenge from both an instrumental and a chemical point of view. Because of the low anticipated leach rates, the elemental concentrations of interest are also low. Consequently, contamination or analytical blank problems are significant. Instrumental measurement methods may produce a bias and extensive round robin tests alone do not establish the magnitude of these biases unless a suitable control or SRM material is used simultaneously. The largest anticipated chemical problem associated with trace and ultratrace element determinations in leach tests is that of sample contamination. Methods have been developed at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and other laboratories which can reduce or control contamination, however, it is important to realize that there are practical limits and contamination per se, cannot be totally eliminated. 11 refs