Characterization and excitation behaviour studies of radionuclide (scandium) in glass matrix

Directional movements of bed load in marine sediments are studied using a r adioactive tracer, scandium, similar to the natural sediment in the area. S candium glass prepared for this purpose was analyzed by atomic emission spe ctrography for quality assurance purposes. A buffer composed of graphite wi th 5% germanium oxide was used for accurate and reproducible analyses. The role of this buffer in the excitation behavior of scandium and variations i n spectral line intensity with respect to various influencing parameters ar e reported. Volatilization of scandium was observed using the moving plate technique, with a de-are as the excitation source. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scienc e Ltd. All rights reserved.