Rapid determination of environmental plutonium in large water samples by means of manganese dioxide co-precipitation and extraction chromatographic separation

Plutonium activity determinations in environmental water samples are routin ely performed in many laboratories. Due to the low plutonium concentrations and the complexity of the plutonium aqueous chemistry, these analysis invo lve cumbersome preconcentration and separation procedures and long measurem ent times. We describe a procedure where MnO2(s) is used as scavenger to pr econcentrate Pu prior to separation by the trans-uranium specific extractio n chromatographic resin TRU-Resin. The ability of MnO4-/MnO2(s) to destroy organic matter and oxidise plutonium is combined with the specific behaviou r of the TRU-Resin for transuranium elements. The method facilitates a rapi d preconcentration and separation of plutonium. With the use of this proced ure, the laboratory work on one sample can be performed in one day with min imum attention. The overall yields from a 200 litre fresh- or seawater samp le to a measurable Pu source are between 70-85%.