Get started
Work

Ultra-fast, selective and pseudo-quantitative analysis of 99Tc in nuclear waste for screening purposes

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Controlling radioactivity is essential in various fields, such as the decommissioning of nuclear power plants and nuclear medicine. In some cases, a full characterization of samples is not required; instead, a screening analysis that provides an overall indication of the activity present can be sufficient to determine if a sample is radioactive. This article introduces a new system called PSkits designed specifically for ultra-fast and selective screening detection of 99 Tc. PSkits consist of a plastic scintillation layer attached to the bottom of a scintillation vial, coated with aliquat·336® as a selective extractant. In this study, the preparation of PSkits was optimized by adjusting the proportions of crosslinker, porogen, and the type of vial used. The analysis method was developed, and the selectivity against common interferences was tested by optimizing the rinsing media. Finally, PSkits were validated by analysing simulated nuclear waste samples and urine spiked samples, achieving satisfactory results with quantification errors below 50 %, demonstrating their effectiveness for the intended purpose • A new detection method for 99 Tc selective screening analysis has been developed. • PSkits can perform the ultrafast analysis of 99 Tc in liquid samples. • PSkits have been validated by measuring 99 Tc in simulated nuclear reactor waste and spiked urine samples. • 99 Tc analysis with PSkits can be performed in presence of radioactive interferences. • Analysis with PSkits will simplify and facilitate characterization of nuclear waste leading to efficient classification and disposal.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135796
Language: English
Field: Chemistry
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,340
OpenAlex ID: W4402527249
FWCI: 0.321
Cites: 20
Cited by: 3
Related to: 10