On the use of 99Mo/99mTc generators in the analysis of low levels of 99Tc in environmental samples by radiochemical methods

• Published in: Water, air, and soil pollution Vol. 156; no. 1-4; pp. 287 - 297
• Main Authors: DOWDALL, Mark, SELNAES, Øyvind G, GWYNN, Justin P, LIND, Bjørn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.07.2004; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Environmental monitoring; Exact sciences and technology; Fission products; Generators; Global environmental pollution; Pollution; Radioisotopes; Radioactive pollution; 99mTc; Radiochemical analysis; Radioactive tracers; Radioisotope; Radioactivity measurement; Beta radioactivity; Fission product; 99Tc; beta counting; Technetium 99; 99Mo/99mTc generators; Low level radioactive waste; 103Ru; Gamma spectrometry
• ISSN: 0049-6979; 1573-2932
• DOI: 10.1023/B:WATE.0000036823.61946.ce

The analysis of low levels of the long-lived fission product ^sup 99^Tc in environmental samples presents special challenges, particularly with respect to the selection of an appropriate and practicable chemical yield tracer. Of all the tracers available, ^sup 99m^Tc eluated from ^sup 99^Mo/^sup 99m^Tc generators appears to be the most practicable in terms of availability, ease of use and cost. These factors have led to an increase in the use of such generators for the provision of ^sup 99m^Tc as yield tracer for ^sup 99^Tc. For the analysis of low levels (<1Bq/m^sup 3^ or kg) of ^sup 99^Tc in environmental samples, consideration must be given to the radiochemical purity of the tracer solution with respect to contamination with both ^sup 99^Tc and other radionuclides. This paper details investigations carried out in relation to the use of ^sup 99^Mo/^sup 99m^Tc generators for the provision of ^sup 99m^Tc for use as yield tracer in the analysis of low levels of ^sup 99^Tc. The results of the study indicate that special care must be taken with the radiochemical purity of the ^sup 99m^Tc solution. Analysis of eluates from a number of such generators indicates the presence of ^sup 103^Ru and ^sup 99^Tc in levels that could produce inaccuracies in the analysis of low levels of ^sup 99^Tc. Results are presented and the findings discussed with reference to low level ^sup 99^Tc analysis by radiochemical procedures and beta counting.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]