Microextraction–TQ–ICP–MS for the Direct Analysis of U and Pu from Cotton Swipes

The microextraction sampling technique was integrated with triple quadrupoleinductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (TQ–ICP–MS) to directly sample and measure the isotopic compositions of uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) from cotton swipes. Once extracted, the U/Pu were directed into the TQ–ICP–MS instrument for isotopic determination. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and helium (He) gases were delivered to a collision reaction cell within the ICP–MS system for ion separation. The CO2 reacts with the U+ forming UO+ which is ultimately separated from the Pu+ ions of interest in the third quadrupole. This study demonstrates direct liquid extraction of U/Pu from a solid surface and subsequent measurement by TQ–ICP–MS in