Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
12:22
Speciation and Bioavailability Measurements of Environmental Plutonium Using Diffusion in Thin Films
Published on: November 9, 2015
Plutonium and uranium determination in environmental samples: combined solvent extraction-liquid scintillation
W J McDowell1, D T Farrar, M R Billings
1Chemical Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA.
Talanta
|December 1, 1974
Summary
This study presents a high-resolution liquid scintillation method for determining uranium and plutonium. The technique achieves low detection limits and high accuracy for alpha-emitting nuclides, enabling precise quantification.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of uranium and plutonium is crucial for nuclear safety and environmental monitoring.
- Existing methods may face challenges with complex sample matrices and low analyte concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a combined high-resolution liquid scintillation-solvent extraction method for uranium and plutonium determination.
- To establish the detection limits, energy resolution, and efficiency of the developed method.
- To assess the method's applicability for analyzing challenging samples like soil and water.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combined high-resolution liquid scintillation-solvent extraction technique.
- Employed pulse-shape discrimination for enhanced detection.
- Developed a separation procedure for uranium and plutonium with high recovery rates (>98%).
Main Results:
- Achieved lower detection limits of 1.0 dpm (Pyrex), 0.3 dpm (quartz), and 0.02 d.p.m. (pulse-shape discrimination).
- Demonstrated 100% alpha-counting efficiency.
- Obtained energy resolution of 0.2-0.3 MeV peak half-width and energy identification to +/-0.1 MeV.
- Successfully separated uranium from plutonium even with a 10(8)-fold molar ratio difference.
Conclusions:
- The developed method allows for independent identification and quantitative determination of specific alpha-emitters without chemical separation.
- The technique is robust, capable of handling samples with high concentrations of interfering substances like iron.
- The method shows potential for broader applications in alpha-counting analysis, including environmental samples.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...
01:21Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...
01:25Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella, which use...
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
01:08Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques
Accurate analysis of complex samples often requires advanced preparation techniques to achieve reliable and reproducible results. Samples containing inorganic or organic materials can be challenging to dissolve or decompose effectively. Standard sample preparation methods include acid digestion, fusion, dry ashing, and wet digestion.
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
01:14Photoluminescence: Applications
Photoluminescence offers a wide range of applications due to its inherent sensitivity and selectivity. This technique allows for both direct and indirect analyses of the analyte. Direct quantitative analysis is possible when the analyte exhibits a favorable quantum yield for fluorescence or phosphorescence. However, an indirect analysis may be feasible if the analyte is not fluorescent or phosphorescent, or if the quantum yield is unfavorable. Indirect methods include reacting the analyte with...