Advances in technologies for the measurement of uranium in diverse matrices

An overview of the advances in technologies, which can be used in the field as well as in a laboratory for the measurement of uranium in diverse matrices like, waters, minerals, mineralized rocks, and other beneficiation products for its exploration and processing industries is presented. Laser based technologies, ion chromatography, microsample X-ray analysis method followed by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique (MXA-EDXRF), sensors for electrochemical detection followed by cyclic voltammogram and alpha liquid scintillation counting techniques are the most promising techniques. Among these techniques, laser fluorimetry/spectrofluorimetry, in particular, is the technique of choice because of its high performance qualification (PQ), inherent sensitivity, simplicity, cost effectiveness, minimum generation of analytical waste, rapidity, easy calibration and operation. It also fulfills the basic essential requirements of reliability, applicability and practicability (RAPs) for the analysis of uranium in solution of diverse matrices in entire nuclear fuel cycle. A very extensive range of uranium concentrations may be covered. Laser fluorimetry is suitable for direct determination of uranium in natural water systems within the μg L⁻¹ and mg L⁻¹ range while differential technique in laser fluorimetry (DT-LIF) is suitable for mineralized rocks and concentrates independent of matrix effects (uranium in samples containing >0.01% uranium). The most interesting feature of TRLIF is its capability of performing speciation of complexes directly in solution as well as remote determination via fiber optics and optrode. Future trend and advances in lasers, miniaturization and automation via flow injection analysis (FIA) has been discussed.