Determination of polonium in aqueous media using metal-containing membranes

A rapid method has been developed for the determination of polonium in water. The samples with a volume of 0.25 to 4.0 l were filtered at a flow rate of 2 to 3 l h-1 on a membrane filter impregnated with silver. Optimum conditions are 0.1M hydrochloric acid in the presence of 0.1M ascorbic acid. After the filtration the membranes are flushed, dried and measured for α-activity. The detection limit for a 41 sample with a membrane diameter of 35 mm is lower corresponding to 1.5 * 10-3 Bq*l-1. The method permits activity measurement with an α-radiometer or α-spectrometer with an error less than 30% at a confidence level of 0.95. (author) 5 refs.; 2 figs.; 5 tabs