Determination of uranium at trace levels by radiochemical neutron-activation analysis employing radioisotopic yield evaluation.

Nanogram and picogram quantities of uranium were determined in biological materials by radiochemical neutron-activation analysis. Two different approaches using either (239)U or (239)Np were employed for cross-checking, and the question of negative errors due to incomplete acid dissolution of any possible inorganic (siliceous) fraction was studied. In the first and main approach, radiochemical separation of the short-lived (239)U (23.5 min) nuclide was based on TBP extraction following rapid conventional wet-ashing. Addition of large amounts of uranium carrier (ca. 50 mg) allowed the chemical yield to be evaluated from the gamma spectrum of the isolated fraction by means of the 186 keV peak of (235)U. In the second approach, the longer-lived (239)Np (56.5 hr) daughter was separated by anion-exchange; this nuclide allowed use of lengthier dissolution procedures employing total decomposition with hydrofluoric acid. Nanogram quantities of (237)Np were irradiated simultaneously with the sample and an aliquot of the resulting solution containing (237)Np and (238)Np (51 hr) was added prior to sample destruction, these isotopes serving as carrier and yield tracer, respectively. Results are presented for a series of reference materials. The methodologies and results from the two approaches are discussed and evaluated.