BARC/PUB/2014/0061

 
 

Standardization of sequential separation of naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water

 
     
 
Author(s)

Nair, M. G.; Rao, D. D.; Sathyapriya, R. S.; Sarkar, P. K.
(HPD)

Source

Desalination & Water Treatment, 2014. Vol. 52: pp. 536-541

ABSTRACT

A procedure for sequential determination of isotopes of polonium, radium, and uranium from the same aliquot of a water sample has been standardized. The important step in the procedure is coprecipitation of radionuclides of interest with calcium phosphate followed by auto deposition of polonium on a silver planchette. Radium is precipitated with barium nitrate under ice cold condition. Uranium isotopes are separated using ion exchange resin. 133Ba was used for estimating the chemical yield of radium assuming that these elements have similar chemical behavior. 232U and 209Po were used for estimating the chemical yield of 234 U, 238 U, and 210 Po, respectively. Seven water samples were analyzed and the average chemical yield for polonium, barium, and uranium were obtained at 71.8, 65, and 51.6%, respectively. The standardized procedure is being used in the analysis of these natural radionuclides in packaged drinking water.

 
 
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