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An intercomparison study of 237Np determination in artificial urine samples
S C Lee1, J M Hutchinson, K G Inn
1Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring & Research Center, New Mexico State University 88220.
Health Physics
|March 1, 1995
Summary
This study compared methods for measuring neptunium-237 (237Np) in urine for occupational health. Alpha-particle spectrometry provided more consistent and accurate results than ICP-MS for 237Np determination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of radionuclides like neptunium-237 (237Np) is crucial for occupational health monitoring.
- Routine in-vitro radiobioassay programs require validated and reliable analytical methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an intercomparison study evaluating methods for low-level 237Np determination in artificial urine.
- To identify the optimal method for routine in-vitro radiobioassay of occupationally exposed workers.
Main Methods:
- Four artificial urine samples with varying 237Np concentrations and potential interferences were prepared.
- Ten laboratories performing alpha-particle spectrometry and ten laboratories using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyzed the samples.
- A radiochemical method employing 239Np tracer, coprecipitation, and anion-exchange separation was utilized.
Main Results:
- Six laboratories reported results using alpha-particle spectrometry, and four used ICP-MS; two labs used both.
- The best ICP-MS results were comparable to, but not superior to, the most accurate alpha-particle spectrometry results.
- Alpha-particle spectrometry measurements demonstrated consistently better agreement with known values.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-particle spectrometry is a reliable and accurate technique for low-level 237Np determination in urine samples.
- The findings support the use of alpha-particle spectrometry in routine radiobioassay programs for monitoring occupational exposure to 237Np.