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Determination of 237Np and 239Pu in urine using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS)

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Abstract

Measuring 237Np and 239Pu in urine at low levels is important for both biomonitoring and radiological emergency response. Here we report a newly developed and validated analytical method used to determine 237Np and 239Pu in urine by selective retention of Np and Pu from 2 mL of urine directly onto TEVA® resin followed by SF-ICP-MS (coupled to a membrane desolvating introduction system) detection. The method provides solid phase extraction of Np/Pu with observed recovery ratios ranging from 89 to 113% and rapid results with limits of detection well below recommended detection guidelines for children and pregnant women (NCRP 161 reference).

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Ms. Cynthia Ward who assisted in the proof-reading of the manuscript. Specifically, we would like to thank Dr. David Saunders for his guidance and advice throughout this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inorganic and Radiation Analytical Toxicology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, Mail Stop S110-5, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA

    Ge Xiao & Robert L. Jones

  2. Battelle Memorial Institute, Atlanta Analytical Services, 2987 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA

    Yongzhong Liu

Authors
  1. Ge Xiao
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  2. Yongzhong Liu
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  3. Robert L. Jones
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Correspondence to Ge Xiao.

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Xiao, G., Liu, Y. & Jones, R.L. Determination of 237Np and 239Pu in urine using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). J Radioanal Nucl Chem 324, 887–896 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07107-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07107-7

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