Standard Methods: 7500-U C: Uranium by the Isotopic Method
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Official Method Name
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7500-U C. Isotopic Method |
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Current Revision
| Standard Methods Online |
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Media
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WATER |
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Instrumentation
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Alpha Spectrometer/Counter |
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Method Subcategory
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Radiochemical |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Brief Method Summary
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The sample is acidified with hydrochloric or nitric acid and uranium-232 is added as an isotopic tracer. Uranium is separated as in the radiochemical method (see Method 7500 U.B) and is electrodeposited onto a stainless steel disk for counting by alpha pulse height analysis using a silicon surface barrier detector. |
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Scope and Application
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Method 7500-U C is a radiochemical procedure that determines the isotopic content of the uranium alpha activity; it is consistent with determining the differences among naturally occurring, depleted, and enriched uranium. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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The only alpha-emitting radionuclide that may be carried through the procedure is protactinium-231. The presence of this radionuclide can be determined from the alpha spectrum and the interference subtracted. Check reagents for uranium contamination by analyzing a complete reagent blank. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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See Section 7020 Quality Assurance/Quality Control. |
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Sample Handling
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Plastic or glass containers. Preserve sample by adjusting its pH to <2 with HCl or HNO3 at the time of collection. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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Relative Cost
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$201 to $400 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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