Analysis of trace level uranium in wastewater using the PIXE method

Trace level uranium in wastewater is a particularly important issue for mat erial accountancy and radiation protection. It is difficult to detect trace level uranium without concentrating wastewater. This study is a discussion of particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis that is used to find co ncentration of uranium easily. In the procedure discussed here, the quantit y of solution and backing material are examined to determine how they affec t the practicality of taking measurements. Our study resulted in findings t hat show higher sensitivity, shorter measurement time and wider range of co ncentration than those obtained by usual methods. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.