Monitoring the production of weapons grade U and Pu in nations suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons is a national security interest.  A bioassay of personnel suspected of involvement in nuclear activities could be included as part of an IAEA inspection process.  Hair and Nail samples are a convenient, non-invasive biological monitor that could reflect occupational exposure to U and Pu.  We will report on a method to measure 235U/238U, 236U/238U and 239Pu/240Pu in hair and nail samples using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) with a desolvating nebulizer.  The method employs a microwave digestion procedure followed by a separation with TEVA, UTEVA and DGA resins to isolate 239Pu from U and other potential mass interferences for measurement of 239Pu/240Pu. We will report spike recovery, instrumental detection limits, and isotope ratios of U and Pu measured in scrap hair and nail samples and reference materials.

Measurement of U and Pu isotope ratios in hair and nail samples using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and extraction chromatography

245th National Meeting (2013)

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