Portable X-ray fluorescence system to measure Th and U concentrations

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nuclear Science

Background:

• Phosphate fertilizer industry generates waste containing naturally occurring radioactive materials.
• These byproducts are classified as Technologically-Enhanced, Naturally-Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM).
• Monitoring TENORM is crucial due to potential radio-toxic activity from thorium and uranium decay chains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze waste material samples from phosphate fertilizer production.
• To evaluate the efficacy of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) for quantifying thorium (Th) and uranium (U).
• To characterize low concentrations (ppm) of Th and U in industrial byproducts.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) system equipped with specific filters.
• Analyzed waste material samples from phosphate fertilizer industries.
• Performed characterization, identification, and quantification of Th and U at low concentrations.

Main Results:

• The pXRF system successfully identified and quantified thorium and uranium.
• The technique demonstrated sensitivity for detecting elements at concentrations in the tens of parts per million (ppm).
• Measurements required a small sample amount (approximately 0.1 g) and short analysis time (around 300 seconds).

Conclusions:

• Portable X-ray fluorescence is a viable and efficient technique for analyzing TENORM in industrial waste.
• The method allows for rapid and sensitive quantification of thorium and uranium in phosphate fertilizer byproducts.
• This approach supports effective monitoring of radio-toxic activity in industrial waste streams.