Analysis of environmental samples now plays a key role in monitoring adherence to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. This monitoring role is the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). For successful detection of signatures of nuclear activities in environmental samples, the IAEA requires access to the most appropriate analytical methods. In addition to operating its own facilities, the IAEA accesses laboratories in its member states through its Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL).
ANSTO's AMS facility has joined the NWAL for the purpose of providing high sensitivity analysis of 129I and 236U in environmental samples. We have developed methods for simultaneous extraction of iodine and uranium from a variety of environmental media including soil, vegetation, aerosol filters and cotton wipes. To qualify for membership of the NWAL, ANSTO was required to perform test analyses and to submit to an audit of laboratory procedures.
As the only AMS lab in the NWAL, ANSTO provides the only source of high sensitivity 129I analyses in the network. For uranium isotopic analyses, ANSTO's AMS is complemented by other member labs with sector field ICP-MS, TIMS and SIMS. In intercomparison exercises, AMS has been shown to have at least 2 orders of magnitude better sensitivity for 236U than the other methods. Our method for uranium analysis allows us to perform 236:238 isotopic ratio measurements on samples containing as little as 10-100ng of uranium.
Currently the IAEA has a requirement for improved detection capabilities for plutonium in environmental samples. We have developed methods for Pu analysis by AMS, using isotope dilution with a 242Pu spike. We have demonstrated that we can measure 239Pu and 240Pu in real samples containing 5-10fg of these isotopes.
See more of Poster Session I
See more of The 10th International Conference on Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (September 5-10, 2005)