Evaluation of ammonium bifluoride fusion for rapid dissolution in post-detonation nuclear forensic analysis

Dissolution of geological reference materials by fusion with ammonium bifluoride, NH4HF2 or ABF, was evaluated for its potential use in post-detonation nuclear forensics. The fusion procedure was optimized such that the total dissolution time was < 3 h without compromising recovery. Geological reference materials containing various levels of silicates were dissolved and measured by ICP-MS to quantify elemental recovery. Dissolutions of NIST 278 obsidian and urban canyon matrix were performed with radiotracer spikes to measure potential loss of volatile elements during the fusion procedure via gamma-ray spectroscopy. Elemental percent recoveries obtained by ICP-MS were found to be 80-120 % while recoveries of radiotracers were observed to be 90-100 % with the exception of iodine.