Rapid sequential determination of Pu, 90Sr and 241Am nuclides in environmental samples using an anion exchange and Sr-Spec resins

This paper presents a quantitative and rapid method of sequential separation of Pu, Sr-90 and Am-241 nuclides in environmental soil samples with an anion exchange resin and Sr Spec resin. After the sample solution was passed through an anion exchange column connected to a Sr Spec column, Pu isotopes were purified from the anion exchange column. Strontium-90 was separated from other interfering elements by the Sr Spec column. Americium-241 was purified from lanthanides by the anion exchange resin after oxalate co-precipitation. Measurement of Pu and Am isotopes was carried out using an alpha-spectrometer. Strontium-90 was measured by a low-level liquid scintillation counter. The radiochemical procedure of Pu, Sr-90 and Am-241 nuclides investigated in this study validated by application to IAEA reference materials and environmental soil samples. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.