Optimization of the arsenazo-III method for the determination of uranium in water and plant samples

This work reports a reliable, fast and optimized photometric technique based on the specific chemical complexation of uranyl ion with arsenazo-III. In the case of solid samples (plant samples), for which mineralization under acidic and oxidative conditions was used, addition of ascorbic acid led to stabilization of the arsenazo–uranyl complex over time. The results, in total agreement with data obtained from α and γ spectrometries, demonstrate that the present technique is able to precisely quantify uranium in water as well as in plant samples, within the μg/L and mg/g ranges respectively.