Sequential Injection Method for Rapid and Simultaneous Determination of U-236, Np-237, and Pu Isotopes in Seawater

Author(s)

Jixin Qiao, Xiaolin Hou, Peter Steier, Robin Golser

Abstract

An automated analytical method implemented in a novel dual-column tandem

sequential injection (SI) system was developed for simultaneous

determination of ²³⁶U, ²³⁷Np, ²³⁹Pu, and ²⁴⁰Pu

in seawater samples. A combination of TEVA and UTEVA extraction

chromatography was exploited to separate and purify target analytes,

whereupon plutonium and neptunium were simultaneously isolated and

purified on TEVA, while uranium was collected on UTEVA. The separation

behavior of U, Np, and Pu on TEVA–UTEVA columns was investigated in

detail in order to achieve high chemical yields and complete

purification for the radionuclides of interest. ²⁴²Pu was used as a chemical yield tracer for both plutonium and neptunium. ²³⁸U was quantified in the sample before the separation for deducing the ²³⁶U concentration from the measured ²³⁶U/²³⁸U atomic ratio in the separated uranium target using accelerator mass spectrometry. Plutonium isotopes and ²³⁷Np

were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after

separation. The analytical results indicate that the developed method is

robust and efficient, providing satisfactory chemical yields (70–100%)

of target analytes and relatively short analytical time (8 h/sample).

Organisation(s)

Isotope Physics

External organisation(s)

Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

Journal

Analytical Chemistry

Volume

85

Pages

11026-11033

No. of pages

8

ISSN

0003-2700

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/ac402673p

Publication date

11-2013

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

1030 Physics, Astronomy, 104020 Radiochemistry, 105305 Hydrometry, 105904 Environmental research

Keywords

Portal url

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/7f71ca16-9d86-43ee-8156-a13823ecf36b