Uranium characterization in graphite scraps of unknown origin

The paper describes the radiochemical and chemical analyses of industrial g raphite scraps showing high radioactivity levels. The uranium concentration in some graphite scraps was very high (up to 1 kBq/g, 7.7%w/w) and its dis tribution greatly heterogeneus. Some uranium solubility tests carried out o n the graphite scraps showed that 60-70% of the element could be dissolved with a buffer solution at pH 4 and that complete dissolution could be obtai ned by leaching with cone. HNO3. By taking into account these results it ca n be concluded that the radioactive contaminant consists of uranium chemica lly purified and isotopically treated.