This correspondence points out several published errors in replicates of the well-known Iris data, which was collected in 1935 by Anderson [1], but first published in 1936 by Fisher [2].

No abstract

The sampling and analysis of the radio active liquid w_lstesi_indsludges in lilt' Mcllc_n Valley Storage Tanks (MVSTs), as well as two ol, the evapl_rator service tiicility storilgc, tanks _lt ORNL, are described, •Aqueous samples of the supernal lint liquid nnd compc)situ samples of the sludges were analyzed for major constituents, radionuclide's, tot_ll orgi_nic carbon, and metals listed as hazardous under the Resource Conserw_tion mad I,l.c_,covcry Act (RCRA). Liquid samples from five tanks and sludge samples from three i_lnks weru analyzed for organi_ compounds on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "I'_lrgct Compound List. Estimates were made of the inventory of liquid _tnd sludge pta_musin the tanks. Descriptions of the sampling and analyticltl activities lind t_ihuliitions o['/h¢_ results are included, The report provides data in support of (1) the design t.3t"the t_l'Opc3sudWilstu Handling and Pack_tging Plant, (2) the Liquid Low-Level Waste Solidific_ltion Project, _lnd (3) research and development activities (R&D)activities in devl'loping wltste m_milgement alternatives.

Disposal of Department of Energy (DOE) radioactive waste into repositories such as the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and the Nevada Test Site (NTS) requires characterization to ensure regulatory and transportation requirements are met and to collect information regarding chemistry of the waste for processing concerns. Recent addition of an inductively coupled plasma quadmpole mass spectrometer in a radioactive contaminated laboratory at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has allowed the evaluation of advantages of using ICP-MS over traditional techniques for some of these characterization needs. The measurement of long-lived beta nuclides (i.e. 99Tc) by ICP-MS has resulted in improved detection limits and accuracy than the traditional counting techniques as well as reducing the need for separation/purification techniques which increase personnel exposure to radiation. Using ICP-MS for the measurement of U isotopes versus the traditional Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer (TIMS) technique has reduced cost and time by more than half while still maintaining the needed accuracy to determine risk assessment of the waste tanks. In addition, the application of ICP-MS to ORNL waste tank characterization has provided the opportunity to estimate non-routine radionuclides (i.e. 135Cs and 151Sm) and non-routine metals (i.e. Li, Ti, rare earths, etc.) using a rapid low cost screening method. These application methodologies and proficiencies on ORNL waste samples are summarized throughout the paper.

The operation and maintenance of a complex analytical instrument such' as an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer in a radioactive contaminated environment presents unique problems and challenges that have to be considered in the purchasing and installation process. Considerations such as vendor experience, typical radiation levels, sample matrices encountered during sample analysis, instrument accessability for maintenance, and upkeep must be incorporated into the decision process.The Radioactive Materials Analytical Laboratory (RMAL) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) recently purchased and installed an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for the analysis of Department of Energy (DOE) radioactive waste streams. This presentation will outline the purchasing decision, installation of the instrument, and how the modifications needed to operate in a radioactive contaminated laboratory do not significantly impact the daily operation and maintenance requirements of the instrument. Also, a contamination survey of the system will be presented which demonstrates the contamination levels in the instrument from the sample introduction system to the detector.