SEPARATION OF CU-64 FROM GA-67 WASTE PRODUCTS USING ANION-EXCHANGE AND LOW ACID AQUEOUS ORGANIC MIXTURES/

Low acid concentration aqueous/organic mixtures with an anion exchange resin (AG1-X8) have been used to separate carrier-free Cu-64 from the by-products of cyclotron produced Ga-67. The specific activity of the Cu-64 (5 X 10(14) Bq/g) was found to be higher than that reported pre viously. Trace levels (<1%) of Cu-67 were also present. The new separa tion method is easier and faster (2 hours) than those currently employ ed in routine purification of both Cu-67 and Cu-64 production. We beli eve that the new method is the first reported use of organic solvents in the separation and purification of these radioisotopes and represen ts the first effort towards full characterisation of by-products for a ppropriate waste management.