Sequential determination of Pu and Am radioisotopes in environmental samples; a comparison of two separation procedures

Two separation methods for the sequential determination of Am and Pu radionuclides are presented and the results obtained are compared. Analysis involves leaching the sample with concentrated nitric acid (HNO3), followed by radiochemical separation using extraction chromatographic resins (UTEVA, TRU) and anion exchange. Sources for alpha spectrometry were prepared by micro-precipitation on neodymium fluoride (NdF3). The chemical recoveries were determined using 242Pu and 243Am tracers. The methods were tested on reference materials and on two sediments. All the results were in good agreement with the reference values. The evaluation of uncertainty is also included.