Method development for the extraction of naturally occurring radionuclides in marine sediments

Emerson, Heather; Young, A.K.

doi:10.1016/0048-9697(95)04778-6

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 20 publications

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“…If radionuclides are in a refractory matrix, they will not be removed fully without complete digestion [13]. For example, naturally occurring uranium and thorium are often associated with silicate minerals [14][15][16], where incomplete dissolution would lead to uranium and thorium yield not being representative. Conversely, in some cases, complete dissolution of a sample is not necessary if it can be demonstrated that the element of interest can be quantitatively leached from the sample.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complete dissolution of solid matrices using automated borate fusion in support of nuclear decommissioning and production of reference materials

Braysher

Russell

Woods

et al. 2019

J Radioanal Nucl Chem

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Accurate measurement of natural and anthropogenic radionuclide concentrations is of critical importance to end users in the nuclear sector to ensure correct classification prior to storage, recycling, reprocessing or disposal. Uncertainties in the characterisation of solid matrices and materials could lead to safety, quality and financial implications. Robust sample preparation methods are vital, in particular effective sample digestion, as under-estimated chemical yield recovery results in a corresponding under-estimation of activity levels. Borate fusion has been proven to effectively digest a range of complex sample matrices in the geosciences but is not used routinely elsewhere. In this study, we describe an automated procedure for borate fusion of multiple matrices encountered in nuclear decommissioning, containing diverse radionuclides over a range of activity concentrations. The impact of digestion flux, sample mass and sample to flux ratios are described, as well as the subsequent separation and measurement techniques. The results contribute to accurate and precise measurement of radionuclides in various matrices, as well as to characterisation of reference materials, providing greater confidence in nuclear industry programmes worldwide.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%