Analysis of Technetium-99
in Ground and Surface Waters Using
Empore TC Rapid Liquid Samplers (RLS)

R. Shannon and W. Cavin

Paragon Analytics, Inc.

R. Osejo

TN & Associates

A. Vargees1, R. Jump, B. Pirasteh

Paragon Analytics, Inc.

A very rapid, simple and robust technique has been developed for the determination of Technetium 99 of ground and surface water samples. Empore^TM Technetium Rapid Liquid Sampler (RLS) Disks are integrated in a flow system to allow serial filtration and separation of Technetium from waters in a single step. Separation steps are completed as quickly as 5 minutes per sample depending on suspended solids content of the sample. Radioanalysis is performed by direct liquid scintillation counting of the SPE disk and can be completed in as little as one hour. The method can detect Technetium at levels of 15 pCi/L with a 0.2 L aliquot and 15 minute count. Larger volumes and longer count times provide significantly lower detection levels. Near quantitative yields and excellent reproducibility are observed. Method performance data are presented and potential chemical (pH, solids, competing anionic species) and radiometric interferences (actinide, fission, activation and natural radiointerferences) are discussed.