Cross-validation of analytical procedures for the reliable determination of Nd concentrations in nuclear fuel using ICP-OES and sector field ICP-MS

Applications and Uncertainty Estimation of Single Level Standard Addition Method ICP-MS for Elemental Analysis in Various Matrix

“…Based on a survey of scientific papers, available through the database of Web of Science, there are over 10 papers that cooperate SAM and ICP-MS published per year in this past decade. The applications cover research fields of biology, [33][34][35] cosmetics, [36][37][38] energy, [39][40][41] the environment, [42][43][44] food, [45][46][47] geology, [48][49][50] industry, 51-53 material, [54][55][56] and plants. [57][58][59] The development and application of SAM in these studies proved that SAM is an effective approach for the removal or cancelling of rotational matrix effects in measurements by ICP-MS. On the other hand, the preparation of samples for SAM in a classical way, multiple concentration levels added to the sample, was often thought to be both laborious and timeconsuming.…”

Challenges in the quality assurance of elemental and isotopic analyses in the nuclear domain benefitting from high resolution ICP-OES and sector field ICP-MS

“…Whenever possible, the analysis of nuclear samples may be carried out directly, i.e. without the need of chemically separating off the analyte of interest from the remaining elements [ 2 – 5 ]. This straightforward approach is not only faster, but also results in less radiation dose originating from the sample to the laboratory personnel.…”

Elemental and isotopic analysis of americium in non-separated spent fuels using high resolution ICP-OES and sector field ICP-MS

“…Such an independent assessment of the ICP-OES accuracy employing sector eld ICP-MS, based on a different physical detection principle, underlines the quality assurance of the analytical results. 7,8 Consequently, without a suitable matrix-matched certied reference material, the obtained ICP-OES Am concentration values were compared to the in-house sector eld ICP-MS data as described in detail below.…”

“…In the light of the above mentioned constraints it is highly desirable to develop techniques for complementary analysis on the spot where the irradiated sample is handled for supplementary scientic investigations. 7,8 At JRC-ITU, sector eld ICP-MS (SF-ICP-MS) is employed routinely for Am analysis of irradiated samples. Because most spent nuclear fuels contain also considerable amounts of Pu (Table 1), however, the reliability of the ICP-MS 241 Am data is hampered by the presence of 241 Pu in the analyte solution and is only possible aer a chemical separation of both elements from each other.…”

“…5 Hence ICP-MS and ICP-OES, employing diverse physical detection principles, complement each other and thereby help to improve the quality of Am analysis in a nuclear fuel. 7,8 Building on our previous experience, 5 the current comparative study aims to investigate the potential and pitfalls of both ICP-OES and ICP-MS for the direct Am analysis of the "nonseparated" spent fuel. Various experimental approaches including the application of external calibration against a home-made 241 Am (via separation of 241 Am from a concentrated Pu solution) or a commercial 238 U standard, as well as standard addition have been investigated to establish the Am concentration in three selected nuclear fuels.…”