Radioanalytical approach to determine Pu, Pu, Pu and Am in soils

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 277; no. 1; pp. 269 - 274
• Main Authors: Payne, R F, Clark, S B, Elliston, J T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2008
• ISSN: 0236-5731
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-008-0742-3

The simultaneous determination of multiple actinide isotopes in samples where total quantity is limited can sometimes present a unique challenge for radioanalytical chemists. In this study, re-determination of Pu, Pu, and Am for soils collected and analyzed approximately three decades ago was the goal, along with direct determination of Pu. The soils had been collected in the early 1970's from a shallow land burial site for radioactive wastes called the Subsurface Disposal Area (SDA) at the Idaho National Lab (INL), analyzed for Pu, Pu, and Am, and any remaining soils after analysis had been archived and stored. We designed an approach to reanalyze the Pu, Pu, and Am and determine for the first time Pu using a combination of traditional and new radioanalytical methodologies. The methods used are described, along with estimates of the limits of detection for gamma-and alpha-spectrometry, and liquid scintillation counting. Comparison of our results to the earlier work documents the ingrowth of Am from Pu, and demonstrates that the total amount of Am activity in these soil samples is greater than would be expected due to ingrowth from Pu decay.