Abstract
A new method is described for the determination of 99Tc, 230Th, and 234U at ultra-trace levels in soils. The method used flow injection (FI) for on-line preconcentration of 99Tc, 230Th and 234U prior to detection using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The FI-ICP-MS method results in greater sensitivity and freedom from interferences compared with direct aspiration into an ICP mass spectrometer. Detection limits are improved by approximately a factor of 10. The FI-ICP-MS method is also faster, less labour intensive and generates less laboratory waste than traditional radiochemical methods. The accuracy of the method was tested for 99Tc by comparison to liquid scintillation counting and for 230Th and 234U by analysis of a US Department of Energy reference soil. Detection limits in the soil for 99Tc, 230Th and 234U were 11 mBq g–1(0.02 ng g–1), 3.7 mBq g–1(0.005 ng g–1) and 0.74 mBq g–1(0.003 ng g–1), respectively. Sample preparation, analysis protocol, and method validation are described.
Published Version
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