Radiochemical analysis of uranium isotopes in soil and sediment samples with extraction chromatography.

An accurate and simple analytical technique for uranium isotopes in highly contaminated soil samples was developed and validated by application to IAEA-Reference samples and environmental samples. For overcoming the demerits of the TBP extraction method, sample materials were decomposited with HNO(3) and HF and uranium isotopes were purified with an anion exchange resin and a TRU Spec resin. With the extraction chromatography method, hindrance elements were completely removed from the uranium fraction. The chemical yields with the extraction chromatography method were <10% higher than those with the TBP extraction method. The concentrations of uranium isotopes using the extraction chromatography method were consistent with the reference values reported by the IAEA.