An Improved Method for the Separation of ²¹⁰Bi and ²¹⁰Po from ²¹⁰Pb by Using Solid-Phase Extraction Disk Membranes: Environmental Applications

Measuring bismuth‐210, its parent, and daughter in aquatic systems

“…Interest in measuring 210 Bi waxed and waned from the early-1990s to the early-2000s (e.g., Church et al 1994;Tokieda et al 1994;Marley et al 1999;Katzlberger et al 2001;Biggin et al 2002). Unfortunately, none of these techniques have been exploited, and the application of 210 Bi as a tracer of aquatic scavenging processes has still not been explored.…”

“…With respect to 210 Pb,210 Bi, and 210 Po, the analyses of 210 Pb and 210 Po activity are secondary to the speed and ease with which 210 Bi can be isolated and counted. Given this criterion, the method of Marley et al (1999) stands out. Marley et al (1999) used an anion solid-phase extraction (SPE) disk to separate the 210 Bi and 210 Po progeny from their 210 Pb parent with less than 1% interference, where the anionic chloride complexes of bismuth and polonium have affinities *Correspondence: jwaples@uwm.edu…”

“…Given this criterion, the method of Marley et al (1999) stands out. Marley et al (1999) used an anion solid-phase extraction (SPE) disk to separate the 210 Bi and 210 Po progeny from their 210 Pb parent with less than 1% interference, where the anionic chloride complexes of bismuth and polonium have affinities *Correspondence: jwaples@uwm.edu…”

“…Because the disk itself was then counted directly on an alpha/beta gas-flow proportional counter, both the separation and initial measurement of 210 Bi were quickly achieved. However, Marley et al (1999) also counted 210 Po on the SPE disk with the proportional counter, and here the method is problematic. While Marley et al (1999) advocated their method for measuring 210 Pb,210 Bi, and 210 Po in aquatic samples, they only applied their technique to rain and snow, where natural activities were high and the whole sample could be eluted through the disk.…”

“…However, Marley et al (1999) also counted 210 Po on the SPE disk with the proportional counter, and here the method is problematic. While Marley et al (1999) advocated their method for measuring 210 Pb,210 Bi, and 210 Po in aquatic samples, they only applied their technique to rain and snow, where natural activities were high and the whole sample could be eluted through the disk. In large samples with low natural activities, the total or dissolved fraction activities of 210 Pb,210 Bi, and 210 Po must be concentrated by scavenging.…”