Sequential analysis of Sr, Pu, Am and Cm: Low-level liquid radioactive effluents

Institute for Energy Technology, P.O. Box 40, 2027 Koeller, Norway

Abstract

A new sequential procedure for the analysis of Pu, Am, Cm and Sr in low-level liquid radioactive effluents is presented. The proposed method utilises an actinide specific extraction chromatographic resin (TRU-Resin) for the isolation and separation of the actinides. ⁹⁰Sr determination is accomplished via analysis of its progeny ⁹⁰Y, which is purified with TBP extraction. The proposed method is simpler, faster and more robust than traditional ion exchange, extraction and precipitation methods used in routine analysis of actinides and ⁹⁰Sr. The chemical yield of all analytes, when analysing 200 ml low-level effluent, is between 80-95%.