DETERMINATION OF I-129 IN AMBIENT AIR BY INDUCTIVELY-COUPLED PLASMA-MASS SPECTROMETRY (ICP MS)/

The detection of I-129 by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) in environmental samples can be used to determine anthropoge nic release of this long-lived radionuclide, which is a definitive ind icator of certain nuclear activities. By using selective precipitation techniques with on-line ICP/MS detection, low levels of I-129 can be detected. The major interference for the ICP/MS detection of I-129 is due the presence of natural Xe-129 found in water samples at a concent ration of about 1 ng/ml. This work will demonstrate a instrument detec tion of less than 50 fg I-129 from environmental air samples and shows promise for a rugged ICP/MS technique to monitor I-129 levels in ambi ent air for nonproliferation monitoring purposes.