Rapid Analytical Technique to Identify
Alpha-Emitting Isotopes in
Water, Air Filters, and Solid Matrices

Nina Carte

University of Connecticut

Dr. Sal Scarpitta

Analytical Services Lab, BNL

A Frisch Grid proportional ionization chamber is being utilized at BNL to rapidly quantify alpha emitting actinides in unprocessed water, soil, air-filter and soild matrices. Minimal sample preparation is required and no separation chemistry is involved. Data and spectra will be presented showing the quality of results obtained using real samples obtained from the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor Decommissioning Project. These BNL samples contained uCi amounts of Pu-239/40, Am-241 and U-235. Various matrices were spiked with Th-230, U-232, Pu-236 and Am-243 in order to perform energy calibrations. Detection efficiencies were typically 15-20% for solid matrices (soil, concrete, bricks, metal, etc) and 45% for raw water samples. Due to the very low instrument backgrounds, minimum detectable levels are comparable to classic alpha spectrometric measurements.