X-ray-Fluorescence-Based Screening Method for Uranium in Contaminated Brackish Water Using Graphene Oxide Nanosheets

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

Background:

• Uranium contamination in the environment poses risks, especially after accidents.
• Confirming uranium presence is difficult due to its natural occurrence.
• Coastal brackish water requires specific methods for contamination screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile screening method for uranium contamination in brackish water samples.
• To adapt X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for environmental accident scenarios.
• To establish a reliable detection technique for coastal uranium pollution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized graphene oxide nanosheets to adsorb uranium from brackish water samples.
• Employed membrane filtration to collect nanosheets for analysis.
• Applied X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy for uranium detection.
• Correlated U Lα peak intensity with sample salinity.

Main Results:

• The signal intensity of the U Lα peak showed a direct proportionality to salinity.
• Uranium contamination was confirmed when U Lα peak intensity significantly exceeded background levels.
• Background uranium content was estimated based on measured salinity values.

Conclusions:

• The developed XRF method effectively screens brackish water for uranium contamination.
• Measuring salinity alongside XRF analysis is crucial for accurate contamination assessment.
• This technique provides a reliable tool for environmental monitoring post-accident in coastal areas.