Development of a novel method for the determination of 99Tc in environmental samples by ICP-MS

Abstract

A relatively rapid and efficient method for the determination of ⁹⁹Tc in a range of marine samples by ICP-MS was developed. Ruthenium decontamination is achieved by the use of TEVA.Spec resin following the removal of the bulk of the matrix elements by a simple evaporation–recrystallisation step. The resulting solution is devoid of ruthenium and subsequent analysis by ICP-MS is comparatively free from interfering matrix effects. The validity of the method was demonstrated by participation in an international intercomparison exercise. The chemical yield for marine biota averages 80–90% and for sediment is around 50–70%. The limit of detection for a 10 g sample is 1 Bq kg^–1.