Analytical Method for the Isotopic Characterization of Soils

Authors

  • MSc. Rita Sibello-Hernández Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos
  • Dra. María Letizia-Cozzella Istituto Nazionale di Metrologia delle Radiazioni Ionizzanti, ENEA Casaccia, Roma
  • Lic. Mario Mariani Divisione Ambiente e Territorio, CESI S.p.A., Piacenza
  • Dra. Nadia Cogliati Dipartimento di Energia, Sezione di Ingegneria Nucleare, CeSNEF, Politecnico di Milano, Milano
  • Dr. Sandro Spezia Thermo Fisher Scientific, Strada Rivoltana, Milano
  • Dr. Enzo Trivellone Istituto Nazionale di Metrologia delle Radiazioni Ionizzanti, ENEA Casaccia, Roma

Abstract

The aim of this work was to develop an analytical method in order to determine the isotopic composition of different elements in soil samples and to determine the existence of contamination. The method used in the digestion of the samples was the EPA 3050B, and some metal concentration were determined including uranium and thorium. For elements with even lower concentrations such as plutonium and radium a treatment after mineralization by EPA, was necessary. The measurement
technique used was mass spectrometry with quadrupole and plasma induced associated (ICP-MS). Results of the analysis performed in two laboratories showed a good correspondence. This method allowed to perform the isotopic characterization of studied soils and results showed that the studied soils do not present any local pollution and that the presence of plutonium-239, is due to global fallout.

Keywords: isotopic determination, alpha emitter, radionuclides, ICP-MS, soil contamination.

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Published

2015-11-02

How to Cite

Sibello-Hernández, M. R., Letizia-Cozzella, D. M., Mariani, L. M., Cogliati, D. N., Spezia, D. S., & Trivellone, D. E. (2015). Analytical Method for the Isotopic Characterization of Soils. Revista Cubana De Química, 26(1), 47–54. Retrieved from https://cubanaquimica.uo.edu.cu/index.php/cq/article/view/309

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Artículos

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