"Determination of 237Np in Bioassay Fecal Samples" by Bettylou M. Wahl

Publication Date

Spring 2011

Document Type

Project Summary

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Analytical Chemistry

First Advisor

Walter Henne, Jr., Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Patty Fu-Giles, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Stephen Kent, M.B.A.

Abstract

237Np, a long-lived alpha-emitting actinide, is present in the environment due to releases from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, reactor accidents, and nuclear reprocessing plants. The determination of long-lived actinides, such as neptunium, is essential for worker monitoring and environmental control. In bioassay and environmental samples, a radiochemical separation is necessary before measurement in order to eliminate any inferences that may occur in a mixture of actinides. In this paper, a method for determining 237Np in fecal samples using TEVA resin is investigated. Using 239Pu as a tracer, tetravalent plutonium and neptunium were successfully separated from other actinides. Samples were electrodeposited and counted using an alpha-spectrometer. Utilizing a stripping solution containing 0.1M HCl, 0.01M HF, and 0.04M Rongalite, average percent recovery for 239Pu was 89.1% and 80.3% for 237Np. This method eliminates radioactive waste accumulated when using 241Am/239Np as a tracer and will not retain a common interfering actinide, uranium. The proposed method is very promising; however, it should be analyzed in more detail before adoption in any bioassay laboratory.

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