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Simplified method for detecting tritium contamination in plants and soil.
B J Andraski1, M W Sandstrom, R L Michel
1U.S. Geological Survey, 333 West Nye Lane, Room 203, Carson City, NV 89706, USA. andraski@usgs.gov
Journal of Environmental Quality
|June 18, 2003
Summary
A new, cost-effective method simplifies tritium contamination detection in plants using solar distillation and solid phase extraction (SPE). This technique accurately indicates soil contamination, aiding environmental monitoring at radioactive waste sites.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Radioactive waste disposal sites require cost-effective tritium monitoring.
- Existing methods for tritium detection in plants are often laborious.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a simplified sample preparation method for plant tritium analysis.
- Assess plant tritium data as an indicator of soil contamination.
Main Methods:
- Solar distillation of plant water from foliage.
- Solid phase extraction (SPE) using a graphite-based column.
- Analysis of tritium in creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) near a disposal site.
Main Results:
- A 2-g SPE column proved sufficient for accurate tritium determination.
- The solar distillation-SPE method showed no significant difference from the toluene-extraction method.
- Tritium concentrations in plant water and soil vapor were comparable between methods.
Conclusions:
- The solar distillation-SPE method is simple, cost-effective, and accurate for detecting plant and soil tritium contamination.
- This method facilitates plume-scale data collection and optimizes monitoring equipment placement.
- The approach may be transferable to other plant species and environments.