Radiochemical separation of actinides from environmental samples for determination with DF-ICP-MS and alpha spectrometry

The purpose of this study was to develop an optimised sample preparation method for the determination of Pu, Am, and Cm in environmental samples, soils, and sediments, and to compare the sensitivities of DF-ICP-MS, alpha spectrometry, and liquid scintillation alpha spectrometry. Borate fusion was used for sample material digestion. Two methods based on TOPO liquid-liquid extraction and combination of TEVA and TRU extraction chromatography showed highest yields of 92.7% for Pu, 86.8% for Am, and 87.6% for Cm. The detection limits were between 0.014-0.034 Bq/kg for Pu-239, 0.014-0.093 Bq/kg for (PU)-P-240, and 0.011-1.20 Bq/kg for Am-241. Analytical results for Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240, Pu-241 and Am-241 and their isotope ratios in certified reference materials (IAEA-135 and IAEA-300) indicated very good accuracy of the methods proposed.