Determination of trace rare earth elements in uranium by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Abstract

A method is described for the determination of the trace rare earth elements (REEs) Ce, Sm, Eu, Gd and Dy in nuclear-grade uranium by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) after separation and pre-concentration by a cellulose column extraction procedure. Recoveries ranged from 96 to 102%. The effect of trace amounts of uranium, iron, calcium and aluminum on the rare earth element line intensities in the ICP spectrum was studied.