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Automated chromatographic separation coupled on-line to ICP-MS measurements for the quantification of actinides and radiostrontium in soil samples

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Abstract

A new protocol for the rapid quantification of actinides (U, Th, Pu, Am and Np) and 90Sr in soil samples has been developed. This protocol includes three steps: (1) an alkaline fusion digestion, (2) an automated separation and (3) an on-line ICP-MS measurement. Eluted fraction containing strontium can be collected to quantify radiostrontium using off-line radiometric techniques. After an optimization of the separation protocol using a design of experiments, excellent figures of merit are achieved. These figures include high chemical recoveries (>80%) for all radionuclides investigated, low quantification limits for actinides and concordance between measured activities and reference values. This protocol allows the automated treatment (sample dissolution included) of up to 10 samples in 24 h.

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Notes

  1. 242Pu is also used as a tracer for 237Np quantification.

  2. Method validated and frequently used for the quantification of U and Th. This method is based on micro-wave digestion, UTEVA separation and off-line ICP-MS measurement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IRSN/PRP-ENV/STEME/LTE, 31 rue de l’écluse, 78116, Le Vésinet, France

    A. Habibi

  2. IRSN/PRP-ENV/STEME/LMRE, Rue du belvédère, Bâtiment 501, Bois des rames, 91400, Orsay, France

    N. Cariou, B. Boulet, C. Cossonnet & R. Gurriaran

  3. IRSN/PRP-ENV/STEME, 31 rue de l’écluse, 78116, Le Vésinet, France

    M. Gleizes

  4. PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech - CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005, Paris, France

    G. Cote

  5. Laboratoire de radioécologie, Département de chimie, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de la médecine, G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada

    D. Larivière

Authors
  1. A. Habibi
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  2. N. Cariou
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  3. B. Boulet
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  4. C. Cossonnet
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  5. R. Gurriaran
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  6. M. Gleizes
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  7. G. Cote
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  8. D. Larivière
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Correspondence to A. Habibi.

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Habibi, A., Cariou, N., Boulet, B. et al. Automated chromatographic separation coupled on-line to ICP-MS measurements for the quantification of actinides and radiostrontium in soil samples. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 314, 127–139 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5360-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5360-5

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