Comparison of acid leaching and fusion techniques to determine uranium in soil samples by alpha spectrometry

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes Vol. 109; pp. 189 - 192
• Main Authors: Dirican, Abdullah, Şahin, Mihriban
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Acid leaching; Alpha-particle spectrometry; Dissolution; Fusion leaching; Soil (material); Soil analysis; Spectrometry; Spectroscopy; Uncertainty; Uranium; Fusion leaching; Acid leaching; Uncertainty; Alpha-particle spectrometry
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.11.066

Dissolution of radionuclides of interest is an indispensable first step in the alpha spectrometric analysis of soil samples. In this study a uranium recovery method for the analysis of uranium isotopes in soil samples is presented. Two different soil sample dissolution techniques were used: digestion in open beaker and fusion. The results of these techniques were compared. Two proficiency test samples and one reference material prepared by the IAEA were analyzed. Better results were obtained by fusion dissolution technique but impurities were higher than with acid leaching. Results of two techniques were more or less similar within the uncertainty limits. The detection limit (a#) was evaluated as part of the quality control. •Acid leaching and fusion techniques compared to determine uranium in soil samples.•Tel 02 IAEA 2011, Tel 03 IAEA 2012, IAEA 375 standard samples prepared and analyzed.•Better results by fusion dissolution but more impurities than acid leaching.•Uncertainty budget prepared.•Recoveries between 60% and 75% for acid leaching and between 70% and 90% for fusion dissolution.