A rapid, automated system for the separation, preconcentration and measurement of 90Sr, and U, Am and Pu isotopes

An online separation and preconcentration method, using an automated flow injection setup and solid phase extraction followed by ICP-MS/MS, was developed for the analysis of 90Sr, and U, Am and Pu isotopes in various liquid sample matrices. The radionuclide analytes were separated from interferences and complex matrices using DGA-branched resin and Sr resin, then specific gases were used in the reaction/collision cell in the ICP-MS/MS to measure the different analytes. The system requires smaller sample volumes (10 mL), less sample preparation and shorter processing time (46 min per sample) compared to traditional radiometric and other MS techniques. Based on a 10 mL sample, the limits of detection were 1.48 pg L−1 (8257 mBq L−1) for 90Sr, 1.75 pg L−1 (0.40 mBq L−1) for 234U, 0.65 pg L−1 (77.65 mBq L−1) for 241Am, and 0.56 pg L−1 (1.25 mBq L−1) for 239Pu when all target analytes were measured in one analysis. The analytical figures of merit were evaluated for a range of sample matrices including lake water, seawater and urine and were comparable to those reported in the literature. This online system thus provides a novel, fully automated analytical tool with faster analysis time, smaller sample requirements, minimum sample preparation, low detection limits and the flexibility to handle single and multiple measurements of various radionuclides. [Display omitted] •Automated separation and preconcentration of 90Sr and U, Am and Pu isotopes from each other and various complex matrices using sample volumes of 10 mL•Online measurement of 90Sr and U, Am and Pu isotopes by ICP-MS/MS with different reaction/collision gases used for the analysis of the different analytes•Rapid turn-around-time (46 min/sample) with low detection limit and accurate measurements•Suitable in emergency situations requiring rapid response and for government agencies or industries needing to monitor aquatic environments