A new methodology based on TRU resin to measure U-, Th-isotopes and 210Po by alpha-particle spectrometry

• Published in: Talanta (Oxford) 2023-02, Vol.253, p.123972, Article 123972
• Main Authors: Gázquez, Manuel Jesús, Paz Gómez, Daniela Carolina, Alonso, José Juan, Pérez-Moreno, Silvia María, Ramos-Lerate, Inmaculada, Ruiz, Melquiades Casas, Bolívar, Juan Pedro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 210Po; Alpha spectrometry; Environmental radioactivity samples; Sequential extraction; TRU resin; U- and Th- Isolation
• ISSN: 0039-9140; 1873-3573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123972

This report presents a new methodology to isolate and measure 210Po, as well as uranium and thorium isotopes. This new methodology reduces the standard time of operation, the minimum amount of chemical reagents and the quantity of resin used in comparison with other standard and well-established procedures for alpha spectrometry. Thus, the amount of chemicals reagent was lower than the amount used in other standard radiochemical processes: only 6 mL of 1 M HCl was used for the thorium elution, and 2 mL of H2O and 1 mL of Ammonium Oxalate (0.05 M) (3 mL in total) for the uranium elution. Likewise, many samples of various activities and materials (liquids and solids) were used to validate the method. [Display omitted] •A new methodology for the isolation of 210Po, uranium and thorium was developed.•The quantity of TRU resin and chemical reagent necessary was drastically reduced.•The method was validated in different matrixes with a high range of activity.•Intercomparison samples were analyzed by using this method with satisfactory results.