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Analysis of urine for pure beta emitters: methods and application
1Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, NUK-202, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark. xiho@risoe.dtu.dk
Health Physics
|June 29, 2011
Summary
This study presents new methods for detecting tritium, carbon-14, and iodine-129 in urine, crucial for assessing radiation exposure in nuclear workers and the public. The developed techniques ensure accurate bioassay for these key radionuclides.
Area of Science:
- Radiological protection
- Environmental monitoring
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Bioassay of radionuclides is vital for radiation risk assessment in nuclear facilities and post-accident scenarios.
- Urine is a common biological matrix for monitoring exposure to radionuclides like tritium, carbon-14, and iodine-129.
- Workers in nuclear reactors and radiopharmaceutical labs are exposed to tritium and carbon-14, while iodine-129 poses risks due to its long half-life and thyroid accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate methods for determining tritium and carbon-14 in both organic and inorganic forms in urine.
- To establish a simple and effective method for quantifying iodine-129 in urine.
- To analyze urine samples from nuclear facility staff to assess actual exposure levels.
Main Methods:
- Tritium and carbon-14 determination involves activated charcoal absorption, combustion, and liquid scintillation counting.
- Iodine-129 analysis utilizes anion exchange preconcentration, extraction purification, and liquid scintillation counting.
- Accelerator mass spectrometry is employed for sensitive detection of low-level iodine-129 in organic and inorganic forms.
Main Results:
- Validated methods for the accurate determination of tritium, carbon-14, and iodine-129 in urine samples.
- Demonstrated the capability to differentiate between organic and inorganic forms of these radionuclides.
- Presented results from the analysis of condensed water and urine samples from a Danish research reactor (2003-2010).
Conclusions:
- The developed bioassay methods are essential for accurate radiation risk estimation for nuclear workers and the general population.
- These methods provide reliable tools for monitoring exposure to critical radionuclides in nuclear environments.
- The study highlights the importance of routine monitoring for radionuclides like tritium, carbon-14, and iodine-129 in occupational settings.
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