Comparison of two sequential separation methods for U and Th determination in environmental samples by alpha-particle spectrometry

Abstract

Abstract This paper deals with radiochemical procedures for U and Th determination ( 238 U, 234 U, 232 Th and 230 Th) via alpha spectrometry in water and sediment samples. After checking a separation process based on chromatographic extraction (using UTEVA resins), a detailed comparison with another separation process (liquid–liquid solvent extraction using tri- n -butyl phosphate-TBP) has been performed. Both separation processes were applied in environmental liquid and solid samples and the two separation methods were compared in order to find the more suitable separation process attending on parameters such as chemical yields, interference elimination, time-consuming, reagents used and generated wastes, among others. As major result, we can indicate the UTEVA separation process as a better option than TBP in U and Th isotopes determination by alpha-particle spectrometry.