The application of novel extraction chromatographic materials to the characterization of radioactive waste solutions

A simple method for the separation and preconcentration of radiostrontium from acidic nuclear waste solutions for subsequent determination is described. The method involves passage of the waste solution, acidified to at least 2M with nitric acid, through an extraction chromatographic column consisting of a 1M solution of bis-4,4(5)(t-butyl)cyclohexano]-18-crown-6 in 1-octanol sorbed on an inert polymeric substrate, which preferentially retains strontium. The strontium may then be stripped from the column with a small volume of either dilute (0.05M) nitric acid or water. Actinides present are removed quantitatively prior to strontium separation by passage of the sample through an actinide-specific extraction chromatographic column.Work performed under the auspices of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, U. S. Department of Energy, under contract number W-31-109-ENG-38.