SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1995
STP15977S

Optimizing the Characterization of Iodine-129 and Technetium-99 in Radioactive Waste Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

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In the case of principal waste streams from nuclear power plants and reprocessing plants, the characterization of some critical long-lived isotopes by ICP-MS is markedly affected by the complexity of sample composition.

This paper gives a few indications on a French approach presently under study to ensure the safety of surface repository sites, from which it might be possible to assess a ranking of the principal isotopes and their desirable detection level. On this basis, the discussion concentrates on the methods currently under development in our laboratory to improve ICP-MS determination of 129I and 99Tc.

In view of difficulties encountered during the dissolution of solid waste and selective extraction of the species into an organic phase, a new preparative procedure is being developed. It consists of a direct pyrohydrolysis applied with no prerequisite: after fixation into an alkaline solution, the volatile species can be directly measured by ICP-MS. The sensitivity and range of applicability of this method are discussed.

Author Information

Noé, M
Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Centre d'Etudes de Cadarache, Saint Paul lez Durance, France
Hérès, A
Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Centre d'Etudes de Cadarache, Saint Paul lez Durance, France
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Details
Developed by Committee: C26
Pages: 29–37
DOI: 10.1520/STP15977S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5315-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2034-1