Radiochemical analysis of uranium isotopes in soil and sediment samples with extraction chromatography

An accurate and simple analytical technique for uranium isotopes in highly contaminated soil samples was developed and validated by application to IAE A-Reference samples and environmental samples. For overcoming the demerits of the TBP extraction method. sample materials were decomposited with HNO3 and HF and uranium isotopes were purified with an anion exchange resin and a TRU Spec resin. With the extraction chromatography method, hindrance elem ents were completely removed from the uranium fraction. The chemical yields with the extraction chromatography method were < 10%, higher than those wi th the TBP extraction method. The concentrations of uranium isotopes using the extraction chromatography method were consistent with the reference val ues reported by the IAEA. <(c)> 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reser ved.