ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 3 March 2011
Page Count: 6

Beryllium Measurement in Commercially Available Wet Wipes

Youmans-McDonald, Linda D.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Aiken, SC

Brisson, Mike
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Aiken, SC

Bernard, Maureen
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, Aiken, SC

Agrawal, Anoop
Berylliant, Inc., Tucson, AZ

Cronin, John P.
Berylliant, Inc., Tucson, AZ

Adams, Lori
Berylliant, Inc., Tucson, AZ

(Received 14 October 2010; accepted 3 February 2011)

Abstract

Analysis for beryllium by fluorescence is now an established method which is used in many government run laboratories and commercial facilities. This study investigates the use of this technique using commercially available wet wipes. The fluorescence method is widely documented [1,2] and has been approved as a standard test method by the ASTM International and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The procedure involves dissolution of samples in an aqueous ammonium bifluoride solution and then adding a small aliquot to a basic hydroxybenzoquinoline sulfonate fluorescent dye, (Berylliant^™, Inc., Detection Solution Part #CH-2) and measuring the fluorescence. This method is specific to beryllium. This work will explore the use of three different commercial wipes spiked with beryllium as beryllium acetate or as beryllium oxide and subsequent analysis by optical fluorescence. The effect of possible interfering metals such as Fe, Ti, and Pu in the wipe medium is also examined.

Keywords:

Paper ID: JAI103489
DOI: 10.1520/JAI103489
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