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López-Lora M, Olszewski G, Chamizo E, Törnquist P, Pettersson H, Eriksson M. Plutonium Signatures in a Dated Sediment Core as a Tool to Reveal Nuclear Sources in the Baltic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1959-1969. [PMID: 36690010 PMCID: PMC9910043 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c07437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Plutonium distribution was studied in an undisturbed sediment core sampled from the Tvären bay in the vicinity of the Studsvik nuclear facility in Sweden. The complete analysis, including minor isotopes, of the Pu isotope composition (238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu, 242Pu, and 244Pu) allowed us to establish the Pu origin in this area of the Baltic Sea and to reconstruct the Studsvik aquatic release history. The results show highly enriched 239Pu, probably originating from the Swedish nuclear program in the 1960s and 1970s and the handling of high burn-up nuclear fuel in the later years. In addition, the 244Pu/239Pu atomic ratio for the global fallout period between 1958 and 1965 is suggested to be (7.94 ± 0.31)·10-5. In the bottom layer of the sediment, dated 1953-1957, we detected a higher average 244Pu/239Pu ratio of (1.51 ± 0.11)·10-4, indicating the possible impact of the first US thermonuclear tests (1952-1958).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes López-Lora
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| | - Grzegorz Olszewski
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Chemistry and Radiochemistry,
Laboratory of Toxicology and Radiation Protection, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elena Chamizo
- Centro
Nacional de Aceleradores (CNA), Universidad de Sevilla, Junta de Andalucía,
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Parque científico y tecnológico Cartuja, Thomas Alva Edison 7, 41092Sevilla, Spain
| | - Per Törnquist
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| | - Håkan Pettersson
- Department
of Medical Radiation Physics, and Department of Health, Medicine and
Caring Sciences, Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mats Eriksson
- Department
of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Linköping University, 58183Linköping, Sweden
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2
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Diacre A, Fauré AL, Cornaton M, Pointurier F, Evrard O. 240Pu/239Pu isotopic ratio measurements in micrometric Pu and MOX particles using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry. Talanta 2023; 252:123848. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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3
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Willingham D, Groopman E, Sangely L. U-Pu Mixed Oxide Particle Analysis by NAUTILUS and Implications for Next-Generation Verification Challenges. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2020; 31:1647-1655. [PMID: 32551587 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.0c00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Precise and accurate measurement of U and Pu isotopes from micrometer-sized particles represents new verification challenges for the International Atomic Energy Agency. The U and Pu isotopes and U-Pu elemental ratio provide valuable information about the intended use, the production process, and the purification process of Pu and mixed oxide (MOX) fuels. We demonstrate the ability to directly measure U and Pu isotopes from MOX fuel particles using the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Naval Ultra-Trace Isotope Laboratory's Universal Spectrometer (NAUTILUS). Reactor-grade MOX reference materials with well-characterized U and Pu isotopic composition (e.g., UKMOX10 and UKMOX100) were prepared using standard sample preparation methods for large geometry-secondary ion mass spectrometry (LG-SIMS). The results show that the NAUTILUS can discriminate the 238U1H+ signal from 239Pu+, enabling the accurate measurement of the 240Pu/239Pu ratio for MOX particles within 2σ of the certificate value for U-Pu ratios from 3:1 to 300:1. The accuracy of previously reported LG-SIMS measurements was limited to U-Pu ratios <15:1. Using the NAUTILUS, the 234U/238U, 235U/238U, 236U/238U, 240Pu/239Pu, and 242Pu/239Pu ratios for UKMOX10 and UKMOX100 can all be measured accurately within 2σ of the reference values, directly, without correction. The application of the NAUTILUS to the accurate and precise determination of the elemental and isotopic composition of MOX particles in environmental samples may unravel some emerging verification challenges in international safeguards.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Willingham
- Materials Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Evan Groopman
- Materials Science and Technology Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Laure Sangely
- Office of Safeguards Analytical Services, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna 1020, Austria
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4
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Salbu B, Lind OC. Analytical techniques for charactering radioactive particles deposited in the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 211:106078. [PMID: 31677430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.106078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Since 1945, a series of nuclear and radiological sources have contributed to the release of radioactive particles containing refractory elements into the environment. Several years of research have demonstrated that the particle composition will depend on the source, while the release scenarios will influence particle properties of relevance for environmental transfer. Radioactive particles can also carry sufficient amount of radioactivity (MBq) and represent point sources of radiological concern. Most radiological assessment models, however, are based on bulk concentrations, assuming that radionuclides in the environment are evenly distributed. In contrast, radioactive particles and thereby doses are unevenly distributed, while leaching of radionuclides from particles prior to measurements can be partial, potentially leading to underestimation of inventories. For areas affected by particle contamination, information on particle characteristics controlling the particle weathering rates and remobilization of particle associated radionuclides will therefore be essential to reduce the overall uncertainties of the impact assessments. The present paper will focus on analytical strategies, from screening techniques applicable for identifying hot spots in the field, fractionation techniques and single particle extraction techniques as a preparatory mean to apply non-destructive solid state speciation techniques, till leaching techniques applied sequentially to obtain information on binding mechanisms, mobility and potential bioavailability. Thus, a combination of techniques should be utilized to characterize radioactive particles in order to improve environmental assessments for areas affected by radioactive particle fallout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Salbu
- CERAD CoE, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and nature Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432, Aas, Norway
| | - Ole Christian Lind
- CERAD CoE, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and nature Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432, Aas, Norway.
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5
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Bellucci JJ, Whitehouse MJ, Aleshin M, Eriksson M. Simultaneous Pu and U Isotope Nuclear Forensics on an Environmentally Recovered Hot Particle. Anal Chem 2019; 91:5599-5604. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. J. Bellucci
- Department of Geosciences, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M. J. Whitehouse
- Department of Geosciences, Swedish Museum of Natural History, SE-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M. Aleshin
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Department of Safeguards, 1220 Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Eriksson
- Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten, Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, SE-171 16 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Physics, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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6
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Willingham D, Groopman EE, Grabowski KS, Sangely L. Direct, uncorrected, molecule-free analysis of 236U from uranium-bearing particles with NAUTILUS: a new kind of mass spectrometer. Analyst 2018; 143:5364-5371. [PMID: 30207330 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01451e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrate use of the Naval Ultra-Trace Isotope Laboratory's Universal Spectrometer (NAUTILUS) at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to measure 236U directly from uranium-bearing particles free from molecular isobaric interferences. Particles with 235U enrichments in the range of 0.32% to 3.28% and 236U enrichments from no enrichment to 0.015% provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were analyzed directly using the NAUTILUS. We report the experimental data here without correcting for molecular hydrides and/or applying any other background subtractions. The results from all samples agreed with the certified values within standard error save for the 236U composition of the IRMM 023, which suffered from a combination of insufficient particle sizes and sub-μmol mol-1 236U concentrations. We were able, however, to directly measure as low as three μmol mol-1 of 236U in individual particles regardless of the 235U concentration. Our results are comparable with Large Geometry Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (LG-SIMS) and serve as baseline for a more comprehensive comparison between LG-SIMS and the NAUTILUS in the future. Moreover, we demonstrate the ability of the NAUTILUS to generate raster ion images with the same ease as traditional LG-SIMS instruments. By combining our ability to measure 236U directly with raster ion imaging, we were able to detect a low intensity, small uranium-bearing particle in the presence of high molecular backgrounds for a non-ideal sample. This discovery could lead to more targeted and, therefore, less time intensive particle screening methodologies.
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7
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Investigation of fissile materials collected from a non-critical nuclear explosion site using non-destructive analytical techniques. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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8
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Salbu B, Kashparov V, Lind OC, Garcia-Tenorio R, Johansen MP, Child DP, Roos P, Sancho C. Challenges associated with the behaviour of radioactive particles in the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 186:101-115. [PMID: 28941957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of different nuclear sources associated with the nuclear weapon and fuel cycles have contributed to the release of radioactive particles to the environment. Following nuclear weapon tests, safety tests, conventional destruction of weapons, reactor explosions and fires, a major fraction of released refractory radionuclides such as uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) were present as entities ranging from sub microns to fragments. Furthermore, radioactive particles and colloids have been released from reprocessing facilities and civil reactors, from radioactive waste dumped at sea, and from NORM sites. Thus, whenever refractory radionuclides are released to the environment following nuclear events, radioactive particles should be expected. Results from many years of research have shown that particle characteristics such as elemental composition depend on the source, while characteristics such as particle size distribution, structure, and oxidation state influencing ecosystem transfer depend also on the release scenarios. When radioactive particles are deposited in the environment, weathering processes occur and associated radionuclides are subsequently mobilized, changing the apparent Kd. Thus, particles retained in soils or sediments are unevenly distributed, and dissolution of radionuclides from particles may be partial. For areas affected by particle contamination, the inventories can therefore be underestimated, and impact and risk assessments may suffer from unacceptable large uncertainties if radioactive particles are ignored. To integrate radioactive particles into environmental impact assessments, key challenges include the linking of particle characteristics to specific sources, to ecosystem transfer, and to uptake and retention in biological systems. To elucidate these issues, the EC-funded COMET and RATE projects and the IAEA Coordinated Research Program on particles have revisited selected contaminated sites and archive samples. This COMET position paper summarizes new knowledge on key sources that have contributed to particle releases, including particle characteristics based on advanced techniques, with emphasis on particle weathering processes as well as on heterogeneities in biological samples to evaluate potential uptake and retention of radioactive particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Salbu
- CERAD CoE Environmental Radioactivity, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Nature Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Aas, Norway.
| | - Valery Kashparov
- CERAD CoE Environmental Radioactivity, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Nature Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Aas, Norway; National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP of Ukraine), Ukraine
| | - Ole Christian Lind
- CERAD CoE Environmental Radioactivity, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Nature Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1432 Aas, Norway
| | | | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), Australia
| | - David P Child
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), Australia
| | - Per Roos
- Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
| | - Carlos Sancho
- Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Spain
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9
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Pacold JI, Altman AB, Knight KB, Holliday KS, Kristo MJ, Minasian SG, Tyliszczak T, Booth CH, Shuh DK. Development of small particle speciation for nuclear forensics by soft X-ray scanning transmission spectromicroscopy. Analyst 2018; 143:1349-1357. [PMID: 29479614 DOI: 10.1039/c7an01838j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Synchrotron radiation spectromicroscopy provides a combination of submicron spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity that is well-suited to analysis of heterogeneous nuclear materials. The chemical and physical characteristics determined by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) are complementary to information obtained from standard radiochemical analysis methods. In addition, microscopic quantities of radioactive material can be characterized rapidly by STXM with minimal sample handling and intrusion, especially in the case of particulate materials. The STXM can accommodate a diverse range of samples including wet materials, complex mixtures, and small quantities of material contained in a larger matrix. In these cases, the inventory of species present in a sample is likely to carry information on its process history; STXM has the demonstrated capability to identify contaminants and sample matrices. Operating in the soft X-ray regime provides particular sensitivity to the chemical state of specimens containing low-Z materials, via the K-edges of light elements. Here, recent developments in forensics-themed spectromicroscopy, sample preparation, and data acquisition methods at the Molecular Environmental Science Beamline 11.0.2 of the Advanced Light Source are described. Results from several initial studies are presented, demonstrating the capability to identify the distribution of the species present in heterogeneous uranium-bearing materials. Future opportunities for STXM forensic studies and potential methodology development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Pacold
- Chemical Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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10
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Fahey AJ, Groopman EE, Grabowski KS, Fazel KC. Measurement of Uranium Isotopes in Particles of U3O8 by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry–Single-Stage Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (SIMS–SSAMS). Anal Chem 2016; 88:7145-53. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Fahey
- Materials Science
and Technology Division, Code 6367, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Evan E. Groopman
- National Research
Council Fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Kenneth S. Grabowski
- Materials Science
and Technology Division, Code 6367, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Kamron C. Fazel
- Materials Science
and Technology Division, Code 6367, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20375, United States
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11
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Willingham D, Naes BE, Burns KA, Reid BD. Secondary ion mass spectrometry signatures for verifying declarations of fissile-material production. Appl Radiat Isot 2015; 97:125-129. [PMID: 25575376 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Direct analysis of uranium enrichment facility components were performed using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). A standard protocol was developed to enable preparation of SIMS samples from a corroded pipe piece without disturbing the corrosion layer. Unique uranium, oxygen and fluorine containing signatures were discovered in the corrosion layer by performing a mass scan of the region of interest from 230 to 280amu. These signatures identified the source of the corrosion layer as uranium hexafluoride (UF6) or an associated hydrolysis product. Isotopic analysis of the corrosion layer determined enrichment of (235)U to a value of 0.0116±0.0019 for the (235)U/(238)U isotopic ratio as compared to the NIST traceable standard (CRM 112-A) with a natural (235)U/(238)U isotopic ratio of 0.007254±0.000004. SIMS depth analysis revealed that the corrosion layer was isotopically homogenous to a depth of ~23.5µm. Optical profilometry measurements prior to and following SIMS depth analysis were used to determine a sputter rate of 0.48nm/s for 18.5keV O(-) ion bombardment of the corrosion layer. The data presented is conclusive evidence that SIMS depth analysis can be used to identify novel nuclear archeology signatures from uranium enrichment components and perform meaningful isotopic analysis of these signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Willingham
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - B E Naes
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - K A Burns
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - B D Reid
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99352, USA
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12
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Kappel S, Boulyga SF, Prohaska T. Direct uranium isotope ratio analysis of single micrometer-sized glass particles. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2012; 113:8-15. [PMID: 22595724 PMCID: PMC3440598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We present the application of nanosecond laser ablation (LA) coupled to a 'Nu Plasma HR' multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) for the direct analysis of U isotope ratios in single, 10-20 μm-sized, U-doped glass particles. Method development included studies with respect to (1) external correction of the measured U isotope ratios in glass particles, (2) the applied laser ablation carrier gas (i.e. Ar versus He) and (3) the accurate determination of lower abundant (236)U/(238)U isotope ratios (i.e. 10(-5)). In addition, a data processing procedure was developed for evaluation of transient signals, which is of potential use for routine application of the developed method. We demonstrate that the developed method is reliable and well suited for determining U isotope ratios of individual particles. Analyses of twenty-eight S1 glass particles, measured under optimized conditions, yielded average biases of less than 0.6% from the certified values for (234)U/(238)U and (235)U/(238)U ratios. Experimental results obtained for (236)U/(238)U isotope ratios deviated by less than -2.5% from the certified values. Expanded relative total combined standard uncertainties U(c) (k = 2) of 2.6%, 1.4% and 5.8% were calculated for (234)U/(238)U, (235)U/(238)U and (236)U/(238)U, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kappel
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry, VIRIS-Laboratory, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Sergei F. Boulyga
- Safeguards Analytical Services, Department of Safeguards, International Atomic Energy Agency, Wagramer Strasse 5, 1400 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Prohaska
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry, VIRIS-Laboratory, Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
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13
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Ranebo Y, Niagolova N, Erdmann N, Eriksson M, Tamborini G, Betti M. Production and Characterization of Monodisperse Plutonium, Uranium, and Mixed Uranium−Plutonium Particles for Nuclear Safeguard Applications. Anal Chem 2010; 82:4055-62. [DOI: 10.1021/ac9029295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ranebo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, DE-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany, and IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000, Monaco
| | - N. Niagolova
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, DE-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany, and IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000, Monaco
| | - N. Erdmann
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, DE-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany, and IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000, Monaco
| | - M. Eriksson
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, DE-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany, and IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000, Monaco
| | - G. Tamborini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, DE-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany, and IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000, Monaco
| | - M. Betti
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Transuranium Elements, P.O. Box 2340, DE-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany, and IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000, Monaco
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14
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Characterization of radioactive particles using non-destructive alpha spectrometry. Appl Radiat Isot 2010; 68:1754-9. [PMID: 20359900 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2010.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Spherical particles with known properties were used to demonstrate and test a novel software package known as AASIFIT, which is able to unfold complex alpha spectra. A unique feature of the program is that it uses simulated peak shapes in the fitting process. The experimental reference particles in the testing were artificially produced U particles of diameter 1.4microm and a nuclear bomb particle with a twenty-fold greater diameter, mainly composed of U and Pu dioxides. AASIFIT was used to determine the density of the U particles. In addition, the activities of (239+240)Pu and (241)Am were determined for the nuclear bomb particle and compared to earlier determinations in the literature. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the software can be used to estimate the properties of particles emitting alpha radiation. However, the composition and geometry of the investigated particles need to be known with good accuracy for reliable estimates. Furthermore, uncertainties in the stopping power data, especially for U and Pu, may have an influence on the results obtained from the software.
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15
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Qiao J, Hou X. Fractionation of plutonium in environmental and bio-shielding concrete samples using dynamic sequential extraction. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2010; 101:244-9. [PMID: 20004047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fractionation of plutonium isotopes ((238)Pu, (239,240)Pu) in environmental samples (i.e. soil and sediment) and bio-shielding concrete from decommissioning of nuclear reactor were carried out by dynamic sequential extraction using an on-line sequential injection (SI) system combined with a specially designed extraction column. Plutonium in the fractions from the sequential extraction was separated by ion exchange chromatography and measured using alpha spectrometry. The analytical results show a higher mobility of plutonium in bio-shielding concrete, which means attention should be paid to the treatment and disposal of nuclear waste from decommissioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixin Qiao
- Radiation Research Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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16
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Resonance ionization mass spectrometry of ion beam sputtered neutrals for element- and isotope-selective analysis of plutonium in micro-particles. Anal Bioanal Chem 2009; 395:1911-8. [PMID: 19557397 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-009-2906-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Micro-particles containing actinides are of interest for risk assessments of contaminated areas, nuclear forensic analyses, and IAEA as well as Euratom safeguards programs. For their analysis, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has been established as the state-of-the-art standard technique. In the case of actinide mixtures within the particles, however, SIMS suffers from isobaric interferences (e.g., (238)U/(238)Pu, (241)Am/(241)Pu). This can be eliminated by applying resonance ionization mass spectrometry which is based on stepwise resonant excitation and ionization of atoms with laser light, followed by mass spectrometric detection of the produced ions, combining high elemental selectivity with the analysis of isotopic compositions. This paper describes the instrumental modifications for coupling a commercial time-of-flight (TOF)-SIMS apparatus with three-step resonant post-ionization of the sputtered neutrals using a high-repetition-rate (kHz) Nd:YAG laser pumped tunable titanium:sapphire laser system. Spatially resolved ion images obtained from actinide-containing particles in TOF-SIMS mode demonstrate the capability for isotopic and spatial resolution. Results from three-step resonant post-ionization of bulk Gd and Pu samples successfully demonstrate the high elemental selectivity of this process.
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17
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Nicolaou G. Provenance of unknown plutonium material. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2008; 99:1708-1710. [PMID: 18639370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2008.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/08/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The determination of the provenance of 'unknown' plutonium material is demonstrated through a simulation study based on an isotopic fingerprinting approach. Plutonium of known provenance was considered as the 'unknown' nuclear material in order to evaluate the potential of the approach and verify its predictive capabilities. Factor analysis was used to compare the Pu isotopic composition of the 'unknown' material with Pu isotopic compositions simulating well known spent fuels from a range of commercial nuclear power stations. The provenance of the 'unknown material' is assigned to the commercial fuel with which exhibits the highest degree of similarity with respect to the Pu composition. The approach appears promising since it accurately predicted the provenance of the one 'unknown' sample considered; nevertheless, the approach is still at the development stage. Important challenging issues related to the simulation uncertainties and its testing on real laboratory samples have to be explored prior to evaluating the potential of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Nicolaou
- Demokritus University of Thrace, School of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Laboratory of Nuclear Technology, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece.
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Eriksson M, Lindahl P, Roos P, Dahlgaard H, Holm E. U, Pu, and Am nuclear signatures of the Thule hydrogen bomb debris. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:4717-4722. [PMID: 18677996 DOI: 10.1021/es800203f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study concerns an arctic marine environment that was contaminated by actinide elements after a nuclear accident in 1968, the so-called Thule accident In this study we have analyzed five isolated hot particles as well as sediment samples containing particles from the weapon material for the determination of the nuclear fingerprint of the accident. We report that the fissile material in the hydrogen weapons involved in the Thule accident was a mixture of highly enriched uranium and weapon-grade plutonium and that the main fissile material was 235U (about 4 times more than the mass of 239Pu). In the five hot particles examined, the measured uranium atomic ratio was 235U/238U = 1.02 +/- 0.16 and the Pu-isotopic ratios were as follows: 24Pu/239Pu = 0.0551 +/- 0.0008 (atom ratio), 238Pu/239+240Pu = 0.0161 +/- 0.0005 (activity ratio), 241Pu/239+240Pu = 0.87 +/- 0.12 (activity ratio), and 241Am/ 239+240Pu = 0.169 +/- 0.005 (activity ratio) (reference date 2001-10-01). From the activity ratios of 241Pu/241Am, we estimated the time of production of this weapon material to be from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. The results from reanalyzed bulk sediment samples showed the presence of more than one Pu source involved in the accident, confirming earlier studies. The 238Pu/239+240PU activity ratio and the 240Pu/ 239Pu atomic ratio were divided into at least two Pu-isotopic ratio groups. For both Pu-isotopic ratios, one ratio group had identical ratios as the five hot particles described above and for the other groups the Pu isotopic ratios were lower (238Pu/ 239+240PU activity ratio approximately 0.01 and the 240Pu/P239Pu atomic ratio 0.03). On the studied particles we observed that the U/Pu ratio decreased as a function of the time these particles were present in the sediment. We hypothesis that the decrease in the ratio is due to a preferential leaching of U relative to Pu from the particle matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Eriksson
- IAEA-MEL, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000 Monaco, Monaco.
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Fittschen UEA, Bings NH, Hauschild S, Förster S, Kiera AF, Karavani E, Frömsdorf A, Thiele J, Falkenberg G. Characteristics of picoliter droplet dried residues as standards for direct analysis techniques. Anal Chem 2008; 80:1967-77. [PMID: 18266339 DOI: 10.1021/ac702005x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of dried residues of picodroplets of single-, two-, and three-element aqueous solutions, which qualify these as reference materials in the direct analysis of single particles, single cells, and other microscopic objects using, e.g., laser ablation inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOF-MS) and micro-X-ray fluorescence (MXRF), were evaluated. Different single-, two-, and three-element solutions (0.01-1 g/L) were prepared in picoliter volume (around 130 pL) with a thermal inkjet printing technique. An achievable dosing precision of 4-15% was calculated by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) determination of the transferred elemental mass of an array of 100 droplets. The size of the dried residues was determined by optical microscopy to be 5-20 microm in diameter depending on the concentration and the surface material. The elemental distribution of the dried residues was determined with synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence (SR-MXRF) analyses. The MXRF results show high uniformity for element deposition of every single droplet with an RSTD of 4-6% depending on the concentration of spotted solution. The shape and height profile of dried residues from picoliter droplets were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that these dry to give symmetrical spherical segments with maximum heights of 1.7 microm. The potential of this technique for direct LA-ICP-TOF-MS analysis is shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula E A Fittschen
- Chemistry Department, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
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Hou X, Roos P. Critical comparison of radiometric and mass spectrometric methods for the determination of radionuclides in environmental, biological and nuclear waste samples. Anal Chim Acta 2008; 608:105-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2007.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2007] [Revised: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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