Nu Instruments | Measuring Plutonium Isotopes in Seawater Using High Resolution ICP-MS
This application note demonstrates the use of the Attom High Resolution ICP-MS for the rapid measurement of plutonium isotopes in seawater. Using ultrafast peak jumping, the method delivers accurate isotope ratio data from low-concentration environmental samples within minutes.
Environmental plutonium monitoring is important for tracing nuclear contamination and understanding its origins. However, the extremely low concentrations found in seawater make isotope ratio measurements challenging.
This study analysed a certified Irish Sea water reference material using the Attom HR-ICP-MS. The instrument utilised ultrafast peak jumping to sequentially measure multiple plutonium isotopes while maintaining analytical precision.
Results showed that isotope ratios could be measured rapidly and with high precision, including 240Pu/242Pu and 240Pu/239Pu ratios. The study highlights the suitability of the Attom platform for environmental radionuclide analysis and isotope ratio applications.
Key Takeaways:
- Rapid plutonium isotope ratio analysis completed in less than four minutes per run.
- Ultrafast peak jumping enables precise measurement of low-abundance isotopes.
- Suitable for environmental monitoring and nuclear source attribution studies.
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