Rapid separation method for 237Np and Pu isotopes in large soil samples

Abstract

A new rapid method for the determination of 237 Np and Pu isotopes in soil and sediment samples has been developed at the Savannah River Site Environmental Lab (Aiken, SC, USA) that can be used for large soil samples. The new soil method utilizes an acid leaching method, iron/titanium hydroxide precipitation, a lanthanum fluoride soil matrix removal step, and a rapid column separation process with TEVA Resin. The large soil matrix is removed easily and rapidly using this two simple precipitations with high chemical recoveries and effective removal of interferences. Vacuum box technology and rapid flow rates are used to reduce analytical time.

Determination of Transuranium Isotopes (Pu, Np, Am) by Radiometric Techniques: A Review of Analytical Methodology

“…If Np and Pu are to be determined together, the sample has to be loaded on TEVA after adjusting the Np(IV) and Pu(IV) oxidation states (see earlier). Kenna , got high yields for both elements analyzing sediment samples, while Np recoveries varied between 19 and 54% in the procedure of LaRosa et al In the rapid separation procedure for determination of 237 Np and Pu isotopes in large soil samples, Maxwell et al also found that Np recoveries were reduced when the matrix content increased (sample masses were higher than 30 g). Plutonium recoveries were high (>82%) and independent of the matrix effect.…”

Rapid method to determine plutonium isotopes in steel samples

“…A 236 Pu tracer could have been used to allow the simultaneous collection and purification of 237 Np but this was not done in this study. [13] Twenty milliliters of 12M HCl, 5 mL 15.8M HNO 3 , and 5 mL 28M HF were added to each beaker and the samples were digested to dryness on a hot plate on medium heat to avoid any splattering.…”

Preparation of Microvolume Anion-Exchange Cartridge for Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry-Based Determination of 237Np Content in Spent Nuclear Fuel

“…Alpha spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) have been employed to determine the concentration of 237 Np . Alpha spectrometry is one of the traditional measurement techniques for actinides and has been widely applied to nuclear − and environmental , samples. Because of its low background capability, alpha spectrometry is suitable for environmental samples, which contain extremely low amounts of 237 Np.…”