Estimation of uranium isotope in urine samples using extraction chromatography resin

Abstract

Introduction: Internal exposure monitoring for alpha emitting radionuclides is carried out by bioassay samples analysis. For occupational radiation workers who handle uranium in reprocessing or fuel fabrication facilities, there exist a possibility of internal exposure and urine assay is the preferred method for monitoring such exposure. Materials and Methods: Separation of Uranium is carried out by extraction chromatography using diamyl amyl phosphonate (U/TEVA) resin. This resin contains diamyl amyl phosphonate extractant supported on inert Amberlite XAD-7 (an acrylic ester) resin.The electrodeposited samples are counted using octet alpha spectrometery. Results and Discussion: The analysis time involved from sample loading to stripping is 2 h compared with the 3.5 h involved in conventional ion exchange method. The radiochemical yield was found in the range of 69-91%. Minimum detectable activity for uranium estimation for 3,60,000 s counting time at an average percentage recovery of 82 ΁ 8 works out to 0.21 mBq/d. Conclusion: The technique gives good and consistent radiochemical yield of 82% on repeated use of the chromatographic column when compared with ion exchange technique. Analysis time involved from sample loading to stripping using UTEVA is 2 h compared with the time involved of 3.5 h by the conventional ion exchange method.