Abstract
Accurate, low-level measurement of 226Ra in high volume water samples requires rapid pre-concentration and robust separation techniques prior to measurement in order to comply with discharge limits and drinking water regulations. This study characterises the behaviour of 226Ra and interfering elements on recently developed TK100 (Triskem International) extraction chromatography resin. Distribution coefficients over a range of acid concentrations are given, along with an optimised procedure that shows rapid pre-concentration and separation of 226Ra on TK100 resin is achievable for high volume (1 L) water samples without the need for sample pre-treatment.
Highlights
IntroductionIt is the most significant contributor to occupational radiological doses arising from industrial naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)
226Ra (half-life 1600 (7) years [1]) is a naturally occurring radionuclide in the 238U decay series, with additional inputs into the environment as a result of mining, the extraction of fossil fuels and chemical processing
The retention of Ra on TK100 resin is a noticeable improvement compared to Sr-resin, where Ra is not retained under any conditions; this may offer advantages where both strontium and radium isotope measurements are required from the same sample
Summary
It is the most significant contributor to occupational radiological doses arising from industrial naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). The World Health Organisation proposes a guideline value of 1 Bq L-1 for 226Ra in drinking water [26], whilst Canada specifies a Maximum Acceptable Concentration of 0.5 Bq L-1 [27]. The European Union gives an indicative annual dose of 0.1 mSv [4], and goes on to state that the method used for analysis must be capable of determining an activity concentration of 0.04 Bq L-1. The Environmental Permitting Regulations for England and Wales [3] stipulate maximum activity concentrations for discharging aqueous liquids to environmental water courses; in the case of 226Ra, the limit is 0.01 Bq L-1
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