Non-conventional measurement techniques for the determination of some long-lived radionuclides produced in nuclear fuel: A literature survey

The results of a literature survey on non-radiometric analytical techniques for the determination of long-lived radionuclides are described. The methods which have been considered are accelerator mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, thermal ionization mass spectrometry, resonance ionization spectrometry, resonance ionization mas spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Neutron activation analysis has been commonly used for the determination of¹²⁹I and²³⁷Np in environmental samples. Inductively coupled mass spectrometry seems likely to become the method of choice for the determination of⁹⁹Tc,²³⁷Np and Pu-isotopes. The methods are discussed and the chemical separation methods described.