The possibility for the determination of some radioisotopes of cesium, strontium, plutonium, uranium and thorium by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) in soils, sediments and vegetations is investigated. The preparation of samples is described as a combination of the use of a conductive host matrix and a secondary cathode in order to decrease the dilution effect of the blending material for the trace level determination and to gain a stable discharge. Effects of interferences arising from the nature of the conductive host matrix and of the secondary cathode on the sensitivity of the method are discussed. The determination of Cs-137 and Sr-90 has been attempted and the results obtained were in agreement with those from other analytical techniques. Accuracy, internal and external precisions have been also evaluated. GDMS is shown to be a helpful technique for the determination of radioisotopes in environmental samples. Radioisotopes can be determined according to the matrix of the sample (e.g. grass), also in presence of isobaric interferences. However, limitations still exist on the application of GDMS.
Detection of trace radioisotopes in soils, sediments and vegetations by glow discharge mass spectrometry
GIANNARELLI, STEFANIA;
1996-01-01
Abstract
The possibility for the determination of some radioisotopes of cesium, strontium, plutonium, uranium and thorium by glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) in soils, sediments and vegetations is investigated. The preparation of samples is described as a combination of the use of a conductive host matrix and a secondary cathode in order to decrease the dilution effect of the blending material for the trace level determination and to gain a stable discharge. Effects of interferences arising from the nature of the conductive host matrix and of the secondary cathode on the sensitivity of the method are discussed. The determination of Cs-137 and Sr-90 has been attempted and the results obtained were in agreement with those from other analytical techniques. Accuracy, internal and external precisions have been also evaluated. GDMS is shown to be a helpful technique for the determination of radioisotopes in environmental samples. Radioisotopes can be determined according to the matrix of the sample (e.g. grass), also in presence of isobaric interferences. However, limitations still exist on the application of GDMS.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
