ICP-AES based methodology was developed for the determination of trace metallic constituents in thorium matrix after preferential extraction of thorium using TBP, TOPO and DHOA. The distribution ratio for thorium followed the trend TOPO [ TBP [ DHOA with the formation of 1:2 complex. Oxalic acid was found to strip Th effectively. La, Ce, Pr, Gd, Dy, Lu can be determined at 0.1 mg L -1 using all the ligands, while common analytes can be determined at 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg L -1 concentrations by using DHOA, TBP and TOPO, respectively.

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