Title: DETERMINATION OF ACTINIUM IN URANIUM MILL EFFLUENTS
Abstract: A procedure is presented for the rapid determination of actinium specifically applicable for the determination of the naturally occurring beta emitting actinium isotopes, Ac/sup 227/ and Ac/sup 228/ in uranium processing mill effluents Ac s/sup 27/ predecessor of Ra/sup 223/ and Ac/sup 228/, daughter of Ra/sup 22/ /sup 8/, are of biological significance. The method is applicable to a variety of sample types, including natural waters and uranium mill effluent solutions. Determinations can be made at levels required in 10 CFR Part 20, and below. The actinium is precipitated with lanthanum carrier, dissolved, purified by solvent extraction, and finally decontamination on anion and cation exchange resins. The actinium is beta counted on a gas flow propertional counter to detect the weak beta emission of Ac/sup 227/. The Ac/sup 228/ can be beta count ed on either a proportional counter or G-M tube. In either case it is necessary to follow the six-hour half life of Ac/sup 228/. When both are present the Ac/sup 227/ beta activity can be shielded out with absorbers and only the actinium-228 counted on a G-M tube. (anth)
Publication Year: 1961
Publication Date: 1961-06-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 2
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot