Quantitative analysis of deuterium in water by gas chromatography

A convenient analytical method of determining deuterium concentration in water is described. The method makes use of isotopic exchange reaction between hydrogen and water vapor obtained with hydrophobic Psub(t) catalyst. The hydrogen gas resulting from the exchange reaction at equilibrium is analyzed by gas chromatography and the deuterium content of the water sample is determined from the calibration curve obtained with standard sample of heavy water. The analytical error was about 1 %, and the average time for the measurement was about 8 min. Numerical analysis necessary of this method is also described. (author)