[Determining thorium level in urine with its preliminary chromatographic extraction]

Area of Science:

• Radiochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nuclear Medicine

Context:

• Accurate measurement of thorium in biological samples is crucial for health monitoring.
• Existing methods may lack sensitivity or efficiency for detecting natural thorium levels.
• Occupational and environmental exposure to thorium necessitates reliable detection techniques.

Purpose:

• To develop and validate a novel radiometric technique for quantifying thorium in human urine.
• To establish a sensitive and efficient method for assessing natural thorium content in the human organism.
• To provide an economical and simple-to-perform assay for thorium detection.

Summary:

• A radiometric technique was developed involving concentrating thorium on phosphate residues.
• Separation was achieved using extraction chromatography with diethylhexylphosphorus acid, followed by oxalic acid reextraction.
• Measurements using a hard scintillator demonstrated 90% effectiveness, with 85% chemical yield and 5 mBk sensitivity.
• The method achieved 100% thorium purification from uranium in samples containing equal quantities.

Impact:

• Provides a cost-effective and straightforward method for thorium detection in urine.
• Enhances the ability to monitor natural thorium levels in humans, aiding in health and exposure assessments.
• Offers high specificity, ensuring accurate thorium measurements even in the presence of uranium.