An automated system for on-line pre-concentration, separation and detection of plutonium in a urine sample was developed, based on the coupling of a multi-solvent delivery system, remotely-controlled switching modules, and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Effective separation between spectral and non-spectral interferences and Pu was performed viaTEVA selective extraction chromatography. Pu elution from the resin was performed using 0.01 M (NH4)2C2O4, directed to the ICP-MS through a switching module controlled by the multi-solvent delivery unit. The automated flow injection system (AFIS) enables the quantification of Pu isotopes for urinalysis at the sub-mBq L−1 range (DL: 0.21(239Pu), 0.19(240Pu) mBq L−1) in less than 15 min, with a chemical recovery exceeding 70%. The simplicity, speed, and automation of this approach make it attractive for radiological emergency response, especially considering its high daily sample throughput (>80). This throughput is the result of the faster flow rate used for the separation (up to 3 mL min−1) and the reusability of the extraction resin. If a calcium phosphate co-precipitation step is performed prior to loading the sample onto the TEVA resin, improvement in pre-concentration capacity is possible, making the AFIS usable for the assessment of occupational exposures.
You have access to this article
Please wait while we load your content...
Something went wrong. Try again?