Sequential radio analytical separation of uranium, plutonium and strontium in environmental samples using LSS

Isotopes of U, Pu and Sr are frequently analyzed for both emergency and routine radiation surveillance in the environmental samples such as soil, vegetation and water. Sequential methods permit one to obtain the multiple radio nuclides from the same aliquot of a sample which is very important in cases where only a limited amount of sample is available. It also makes the procedure easier because it reduces the time spent on the initial processing steps, which are commonly required for several separate determinations. Therefore, there is an emerging need to develop an improved method to provide rapid analytical results, with fast turnaround time for emergency and routine requirements. To meet this challenge, a procedure was standardized for sequential analysis of ^234+238U/^239+240Pu/⁹⁰Sr in environmental samples and validated by comparing the results obtained from the analysis of reference material IAEA 447 (Moss soil) and soil sample obtained from IAEA TEL-2015 Proficiency test