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Elsevier, Talanta, (129), p. 481-485

DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.06.015

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Measurement of U and Pu isotope ratios in hair and nail samples using extraction chromatography and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Journal article published in 2014 by Jnw N. W. Brown, J. D. Robertson ORCID, J. D. Brockman
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Abstract

A bioassay capable of monitoring occupational or environmental exposure to special nuclear materials would be a useful tool for nuclear nonproliferation programs. Hair and nail are potential biomonitors of exposure to U and Pu. A method is described to measure isotope ratios of ultra-trace concentrations of U and Pu in hair and nail samples. The method uses multiple extraction chromatography resins to separate U and Pu fractions from the sample matrix. The U recovery was quantitative while the Pu recovery ranged from 81% to 109%, with a U decontamination factor of 5×10(4). Following the separation (234)U/(238)U, (235)U/(238)U and (240)Pu/(239)Pu were measured in human hair and hair and nail samples using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS). The human hair and nail samples had elevated ratios of (234)U/(238)U which could reflect exposure to naturally fractionated U.