Electroplating versus microprecipitation of the actinides in alpha-spectroscopic analysis

The recent challenge of the electroplating (EP) method by microprecipitation (MP) methods for alpha-spectroscopic analysis of actinides led us to a comparison study of the two techniques for application to our laboratory workloads. A baseline study was done using filter papers spiked individually with uranium, plutonium and americium. Water and soil samples collected at various field sites were analyzed for uranium and field-collected air filters were analyzed for plutonium. Applicability and attractiveness of both techniques were found to provide good reproducible recoveries adequate for quantifying uranium isotope activity on air filters and in water and soil. Measurement of americium and plutonium on air filters similarly gave good results. Isotope peak resolution was good for both methods and did not contribute to measurement uncertainly over the range of activities studied. Although expanded matrix investigations may still be needed for more depth, we concluded that microprecipitation can be a time saving alternative to the electroplating technique for alpha-spectroscopy of the actinides.