A sensitive method to detect uranium and thorium isotopes in environmental samples using anion exchange and alpha spectrometry
Creators
- 1. Gesellschaft fuer Strahlen- und Umweltforschung m.b.H. Muenchen, Neuherberg (Germany, F.R.). Inst. fuer Strahlenschutz
Description
The method is described, explaining preparatory work for various types of samples taken from the environment, the separation of uranium from hydrochloric acid solution and of thorium from nitric acid solution, both using AG 1x4. The contribution further describes the preparation of specimens suitable for α-spectrometry by means of electrolysis, and α-spectrometry in a large-area gridded ionisation chamber. For determination of the counting efficiency, U-232 and Th-234 are used, the latter in a separate β-counting. Examples of the spectra measured are discussed. The detection limits of this method are between 20 and 50 fCi for the various isotopes U-238, U-234, Th-232, Th-230, Th-228, with a counting period of 1200 minutes and a confidence limit of 95%. The chemical efficiency is usually above 80%. (orig./HP)
Abstract (German)
Das Verfahren wird beschrieben. Es umfasst geeignete Vorbereitungsschritte fuer verschiedene Arten von Umweltproben, eine Abtrennung des U aus salzsaurer, des Th aus salpetersaurer Loesung an AG 1x4, die Herstellung zur α-Spektrometrie geeigneter Praeparate durch Elektrolyse und schliesslich Alphaspektrometrie in einer Frisch-Gitterionisationskammer. Zur Ausbeutebestimmung werden U-232 und Th-234, letzteres in einer separaten β-Zaehlung, verwendet. Beispiele der erhaltenen Spektren werden diskutiert. Die Nachweisgrenzen des Verfahrens liegen fuer die verschiedenen Isotope (U-238, U-234, Th-232, Th-230, Th-228) zwischen 20 und 50 fCi bei 1200 min Zaehlzeit und einem Vertrauensbereich von 95%. Die chemischen Ausbeuten liegen gewoehnlich ueber 80%. (orig./HP)Additional details
Additional titles
- Original title (German)
- Eine empfindliche Methode zur Bestimmung von Uran- und Thoriumisotopen in Proben der Umgebungsueberwachung durch Anionenaustausch und Alphaspektrometrie
Publishing Information
- Imprint Title
- Radiation protection, measurements and methods
- Imprint Pagination
- 615 p.
- Journal Page Range
- p. 399-402.
- Report number
- FS--83-30-T
Conference
- Title
- Radiation protection, measurements and methods.
- Acronym
- 16. annual meeting of the Fachverband fuer Strahlenschutz e.V.
- Dates
- 19-22 Oct 1982.
- Place
- Munich (Germany, F.R.).
INIS
- Country of Publication
- Germany
- Country of Input or Organization
- Germany
- INIS RN
- 15068356
- Subject category
- S46: INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; S54: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES;
- Resource subtype / Literary indicator
- Conference
- Descriptors DEI
- ALPHA SPECTROSCOPY; COAL; ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS; FLY ASH; FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS; IONIZATION CHAMBERS; NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY; SAMPLE PREPARATION; THORIUM ISOTOPES; URANIUM ISOTOPES
- Descriptors DEC
- AEROSOL WASTES; ASHES; CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS; COMBUSTION PRODUCTS; ENERGY SOURCES; FOSSIL FUELS; FUELS; MATERIALS; MEASURING INSTRUMENTS; POWER PLANTS; RADIATION DETECTORS; RADIOACTIVITY; SOLID WASTES; SPECTROSCOPY; THERMAL POWER PLANTS; WASTES
Optional Information
- Notes
- Imprint:Strahlenschutzmesstechnik.;Tagungsbericht.
- Secondary number(s)
- GSF--A4/83.