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- Author or Editor: H. Nitsche x
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Abstract
We have developed an analytical method for detection of239Pu in aqueous samples at concentrations as low as 10–10M. This nuclear counting technique utilizes the uranium L X-rays, which follow the alpha-decay of plutonium. Because L X-rays are specific for the element and not for the individual isotope, the isotopic composition of the plutonium sample must be known. The counting efficiency in the 11–23 keV range is determined from a plutonium standard, and the concentration of the sample is then calculated from the L X-ray count and the isotopic composition. The total L X-ray count is corrected for possible contributions from other radionuclides present as impurities by measuring the low-energy gamma-spectrum for each contaminant to establish specific photon/X-ray ratios. The ratios are important when241Pu and242Pu are measured, because the respective decay chain members produce non-U L X-rays. This new method can replace the use of labor-intensive radiochemical separation techniques and elaborate activation methods for analysis of239Pu in aqueous samples. It is also applicable for assaying plutonium in liquid wastes that pose possible hazards to the environment.
Abstract
A scheme was developed for the determination of oxidation states of plutonium in environmental samples. The method involves a combination of solvent extractions and coprecipitation. It was tested on solutions with both high-level and trace-level concentrations. The scheme was used to determine Pu oxidation states in solutions from solubility experiments in groundwater from a potential nuclear waste disposal site. At steady-state conditions, Pu was found to be soluble predominantly as Pu(V) and Pu(VI).
Abstract
The influence of highly functionalized saccharic and phenolic polymers that are formed in the process of hydrothermal wood degradation on the uranium(VI) adsorption onto metamorphic rocks and sediments from the Saxon uranium mining sites Schlema-Alberoda and Königstein was investigated in a laboratory study. Uranium(VI) adsorption from a simulated mine water takes place on the majority of rocks and sediments such as granite, gneiss, basalt, sandstone and clay marl. Exceptions are phyllite and clay stone that do not bind any uranium from the mine water. Polymeric wood degradation products such as fragments of celluloses and lignin increase the uranium(VI) adsorption whereas the presence of saccharic and phenolic monomers (vanillic acid and gluconic acid) leads to a lower adsorption.
Abstract
With the background of uranium mine restoration the adsorption of radium on different kinds of sandstone, claystone and lime marl was studied as a function of such parameters as water composition, acidity, phase contact time and the concentration of radium, barium and sulfate by static butch experiments at the mine temperature of 14 °C.
Abstract
A novel multi-process method for separating Eu from neighbouring lanthanides (Ln) has been developed that chemically reduces Eu(III) to Eu(II) prior to solvent extraction of Ln(III) with thenoyltrifluoroacetone in benzene. This method is capable of achieving higher purities (>99%) and separation yields than previously published multi-process methods that stabilize and separate the reduced Eu(II) as a sulphate solid and is ideal for enriching materials of high-value. Results from a variety of combinations of a chemical or electrochemical reduction process preceding a separation process using either ion-exchange chromatography, reversed phase chromatography, or solvent extraction are discussed.
Abstract
The title goal was achieved using a DOWEX 50Wx8 cation exchange column saturated with La(OH)3 and ammonia solution as eluent. Hf, Ta and Lu were adsorbed on this column, whereas W remained in the solution. This chemical system may be used for fast on-line separations of element 106.
