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Extractive procedure for uranium determination in water samples by liquid scintillation counting
V Gomez Escobar1, F Vera Tomé, J C Lozano
1Departamento de Física, Escuela Politécnica, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Summary
This study presents a new liquid scintillation counting method for uranium determination in water. The URAEX procedure offers a simpler alternative to traditional alpha spectrometry, with good accuracy and isotopic analysis capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate uranium determination in water is crucial for environmental monitoring.
- Conventional alpha spectrometry methods require laborious chemical preparations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an extractive liquid scintillation counting procedure for uranium determination.
- To evaluate the method's suitability as an alternative to alpha spectrometry.
Main Methods:
- Liquid scintillation counting using the URAEX cocktail.
- Optimization of operating conditions to minimize interferences.
- Evaluation of quenching effects and minimum detectable activity.
Main Results:
- The URAEX procedure showed low interference from radium, thorium, and polonium under optimal conditions.
- Nitrate ions and radon caused significant interference.
- Results showed good agreement with alpha spectrometry.
- Isotopic analysis of uranium is feasible.
Conclusions:
- The proposed liquid scintillation counting method is suitable for uranium determination in water samples.
- It offers a less laborious alternative to conventional alpha spectrometry.