Extraction and quantitative analysis of iodine in solid and solution matrixes

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Iodine-129 (129I) is a significant contaminant in soil and groundwater at industrial facilities.
• Current iodine extraction methods from solid samples often result in incomplete dissolution.
• Efficient and complete dissolution is crucial for accurate iodine analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for complete solid sample dissolution for iodine extraction.
• To assess the efficacy of the developed method for quantifying iodine isotopes (127I and 129I).

Main Methods:

• A potassium nitrate/potassium hydroxide fusion technique was employed for initial sample treatment.
• Dissolution of the fused sample was achieved using a sulfuric acid and sodium bisulfite mixture.
• Quantitative analysis of iodine isotopes was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Main Results:

• The fusion extraction method achieved complete dissolution of all tested solid matrixes.
• ICP-MS analysis demonstrated accuracy better than +/-10% for certified reference standards.
• The method exhibited a wide linear operating range (0.005-5 microg/L) and high recovery rates (98%) with low deviation (6%) for standard reference materials.

Conclusions:

• The developed fusion extraction technique offers a simple, cost-effective, and robust solution for complete iodine extraction from diverse solid matrices.
• This method enhances the accuracy and reliability of iodine isotope analysis in environmental and geological samples.
• The technique is adaptable for various sample types with minimal modifications.