Onsite direct-read system for semi-quantitative detection of traces of beryllium on surfaces†
Abstract
The present work describes a simple and reproducible direct-read system for onsite monitoring of beryllium on surfaces of work areas. It is based on the colorimetric reaction of beryllium with active ingredients deposited in a swab. A color comparator consisting of beryllium color chart was designed to enable the semi-quantitative determination of beryllium in surface samples. The system provides a minimum detection limit of 0.01 μg sample−1. Metals tested for any interference effect include Al3+, Ba2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cr6+, Fe3+, Hg2+, Mg2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, Ti4+ and UO22+. Validation of the system showed no significant effect from metal interferences on the quantification of beryllium.