A combined method of neutron activation analysis and radiometric measurements for 234U and 238U determination in soil samples of low uranium concentration

Eduardo H. Montoya, Pablo A. Mendoza, Patricia S. Bedregal, Oscar R. Baltuano, Isaac M. Cohen

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6 Scopus citations

Abstract

A method that combines the use of nondestructive neutron activation analysis and high-resolution a spectrometry has been developed for determination of the activities of 234U and 238U in geological samples of low uranium content. The 238U content is determined by k0- based neutron activation analysis, whereas the 234U/238U relationship is measured by a spectrometry after isolation and electrodeposition of the uranium extracted from a lixiviation with 6 M HCl. The main advantage of the method is the simplicity of the chemical operations, including the fact that the steps destined to assure similar chemical state for the tracer and the uranium species present in the sample are not necessary. The method was applied to soil samples from sites of the North Peru Coast. Uranium concentration range 3-40 mg/kg and the isotopic composition correspond to natural uranium, with about 10% uncertainty.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-178
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
Volume291
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2012

Keywords

  • 234U/238U
  • 238U determination
  • Geological samples
  • High-resolution a spectrometry
  • Non-destructive activation analysis
  • Relationship

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