Optimised method for the routine determination of Technetium-99 in environmental samples by liquid scintillation counting

Wigley, F.; Warwick, P.E.; Croudace, I.W.; Caborn, J.; Sanchez, A.L.. 1999 Optimised method for the routine determination of Technetium-99 in environmental samples by liquid scintillation counting. Analytica Chimica Acta, 380 (1). 73-82. 10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00676-X

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00676-X

Abstract/Summary

A method has been developed for the routine determination of in a range of environmental matrices using (t1/2=6.06 h) as an internal yield monitor. Samples are ignited stepwise to 550°C and the is extracted from the ignited residue with 8 M nitric acid. Many contaminants are co-precipitated with Fe(OH)3 and the Tc in the supernatant is pre-concentrated and further purified using anion exchange chromatography. Final separation of Tc from Ru is achieved by extraction of Tc into 5% tri-n-octylamine in xylene from 2 M sulphuric acid. The xylene fraction is mixed directly with a commercial liquid scintillant cocktail. The chemical yield is determined through the measurement of by gamma spectrometry and the activity is measured using liquid scintillation counting after a further two weeks to allow decay of the activity. Typical recoveries for this method are in the order 70–95%. The method has a detection limit of 1.7 Bq kg−1 based on a 2 h count time and a 10 g sample size. The chemical separation for 24 samples of sediment or marine biota can be completed by one analyst in a working week. A further week is required to allow the samples to decay before determination.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00676-X
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Other
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	_ Pre-2000 sections
ISSN:	0003-2670
Additional Keywords:	radioecology, technetium, analysis, liquid scintillation analysis, environmental samples
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	20 Feb 2013 12:26 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/21272

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00676-X

Programmes:

CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Other

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

_ Pre-2000 sections

ISSN:

0003-2670

Additional Keywords:

radioecology, technetium, analysis, liquid scintillation analysis, environmental samples