Inter laboratory comparison for ²⁴¹Am determination in environmental samples

¹ Laboratory No. 1 or Laboratoire de Mesure de la Radioactivité de l'Environnement (LMRE), Institute for Nuclear Safety and Protection (IPSN), Bois des Rames, 91400 Orsay, France
² Laboratory No. 2 or Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Radiochemistry Unit, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, U.K.

Abstract

²⁴¹Am is an alpha emitter which originates from the successive neutron capture reactions by plutonium isotopes in a nuclear reactor: [math]. Activation products like ²⁴¹Am may contribute significantly to human exposure in case of an accidental release in the environment. Therefore, this isotope is monitored together with plutonium isotopes in environmental matrices near nuclear facilities. In addition, because of its ²⁴¹Pu filiation, contribution of ²⁴¹Am in the environment will increase in future years.

²⁴¹Am in sands was measured by three different techniques: direct gamma ray spectrometry, alpha spectrometry and sector field ICP-MS. Prior to alpha and ICP-MS measurements by isotope dilution, americium was separated from major components of the matrix and other transuranic elements by anion exchange and extraction chromatography. The results of two different laboratories are compared.