A sequential scheme for the determination of several fall-out nuclides in water

Abstract

A method is described for the sequential separation and measurement of fall-out nuclides of ruthenium, molybdenum, tellurium, antimony and tin in water. The nuclides, together with added carriers, are separated from 10 litres of sample by precipitation and solvent-extraction methods, and are counted on a low background anti-coincidence β-counter. Chemical recoveries of added carriers range from 46 per cent. for antimony to 66 per cent. for molybdenum. The limits of detection range from 0·02 to 0·08 picocuries per litre.