Radiochemical method development

We have developed methods for chemical characterization of the environment under a multi-task project that focuses on improvement of radioanalytical methods with an emphasis on faster and cheaper routine methods. We have developed improved methods for separation of environmental levels of technetium-99, radium, and actinides from soil and water; separation of actinides from soil and water matrix interferences; and isolation of strontium. We are also developing methods for simultaneous detection of multiple isotopes (including nonradionuclides) by using a new instrumental technique, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The new ICP-MS methods have greater sensitivity and efficiency and could replace many radiometric techniques. We are using flow injection analysis to integrate and automate the separation methods with the ICP-MS methodology. The objective of automating methods is to achieve more reproducible results, reduce labor costs, cut analysis time, and minimize secondary waste generation through miniaturization of the process. The final product of all activities will be methods that are available (published in the US Department of Energy's analytical methods compendium) and acceptable for use in regulatory situations.