Sequential separation of trace Pu, U and other elements in environmental samples

Miyamoto, Yutaka   ; Yasuda, Kenichiro   ; Magara, Masaaki  

Trace Pu, U, Th, Pb, and lanthanides are contained in environmental samples with major elements such as Na, K and Fe. These major elements and the polyatomic ions including oxides and hydrides of the co-existing elements affect accuracy of analytical results measured by ICP-MS. The analytes, therefore, should be separated from the interfering elements. The authors developed the technique for sequential separation of Pu, U, Th, Pb, and the lanthanides using a single anion-exchange column and mixed media consisting of hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and hydrofluoric acid. The target elements were completely separated and fully recovered by using our sequential separation technique.