The sequential analysis of long range fallout debris

A method for the determination of the principal radionuelides of Sr, Ba, Ce, Cs, Y, Zr, Nb, and W in single fallout samples containing bulk Si, Fe, and Ca is presented. The sample and added carriers are dissolved by fusion with sodium carbonate. The melt is leached first with hot water and then with hydrochloric acid. W and Cs are recovered from the water leach. Sr, Ba, Y, and the heavier rare earths appear in the hydrochloric acid leach. Ce is found in the leach residue and Nb in both the residue and the hydrochloric acid leach. The Zr and Nb in the residue are separated from Ce by absorption on an anion-exchanger from hydrochloric acid. The Zr and Nb in the hydrochloric acid leach are separated from Sr and Ba by precipitation of Sr and Ba as nitrates and then separated from Y and the heavier rare earths by absorption on the anion-exchanger. The combined Zr fractions are eluted with dilute hydrochloric acid and Nb with a hydrochloric-hydrofluoric acid mixture.