lead-radioisotopes and manganese-dioxide

A novel technique has been developed for determining the (212)Pb activity of fresh waters. This is of interest to environmental monitoring programmes that utilise gross α-activity methods to screen for anthropogenic radionuclides. The contribution from (212)Pb varies, and is difficult to experimentally measure due to its relatively short half-life (t(½) = 10.6 h) and low environmental activity (<0.1 Bq l(-1)). The use of a three-stage technique that encompasses a unique form of pre-concentration, separation and analysis by liquid scintillation counting allows a lower detection limit of 0.006 Bq l(-1) with a chemical yield of 92.5 ± 5.6%. The measurement can be obtained within 7 h of sample collection, and is calculated using the radioactive decay of (212)Bi. Other naturally occurring radionuclides may also be extracted using the pre-concentration stage of the technique, with efficiencies above 90% at a range of pH values.

Topics: Background Radiation; Bismuth; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Fresh Water; Lead Radioisotopes; Manganese Compounds; Oxides; Radiation Monitoring; Scintillation Counting