Simultaneous determination of radioactive and stable isotopes of cobalt in environmental samples by the isotopic exchange method.

The isotopic exchange method is studied for the simultaneous determination of radioactive and stable isotopes of cobalt in environmental samples. Radioactive cobalt is isotopically exchanged with Co-CyDTA in HC1 solution of the sample. The solvent extraction method is used for the separation of Co2+ and Co-CyDTA species from each other. The amounts of radioactive and stable cobalt isotopes are calculated with activities of Co and Co-CyDTA at the exchange equilibrium. The methods for eliminating interfering ions are discussed. The results are in good concordance with those obtained by the conventional analytical methods.