New radioanalytical tools for the detection of naturally-occurring and anthropogenic radionuclides

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A few years ago nuclear power was seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for growing global electricity needs. Now the Fukushima-Daichii accidents and a uranium mining moratorium in many countries have significantly altered the expected renaissance. However, many scientific challenges remain in nuclear sciences: the decommissioning of numerous nuclear power plants, increasing quantities of nuclear waste, increasing use of ionizing radiation in therapy and diagnostics, and the debate about the effects of low doses of radiation. Much remains to be learned about the behaviour of radionuclides in the environment and their impact on the biota, including humans. We need better measurement, evaluation, and monitoring of radioactivity to ensure safe facility operation for the surrounding populations and environments. New radioanalytical methodologies (e.g. preparation of sample, measurements, automation) will enable faster, more cost-effective monitoring. In our previous discovery grant, we focussed on the development of new radioanalytical tools for the detection and quantification of transuranium elements. Based on the successful analytical progress emerging from our laboratory (cloud point extraction, novel functionalized materials for radiochemistry, automation) we will extend our research to other hard-to-detect radionuclides by incorporating new and emerging concepts and tools in analytical chemistry. In the research period covered by this proposal, we will investigate and develop new chemical and instrumental approaches to facilitate the detection and quantification of naturally occurring and anthropogenic radionuclides in industrial, biological and environmental matrices. Now, we will study:• Use of new ligands in CPE for the preconcentration of other radionuclides and the development of multiconstituants and multianalysis CPE for environmental samples.• CPE coupled with a simple fluidic design and light detection for on-site quantification of U in liquid samples (beneficial to mining industry, nuclear worker bioassays, and well water owners).• tandem-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the rapid detection of hard-to-detect radionuclides (a new approach to reduce peak tailing and limit interfering species formation)• simultaneous preconcentration and enhanced sample-to-plasma transfer via the design of a microcell where adsorption and the generation of volatile species (hydride, alkylated) will occur on the same solid support.These analytical innovations will provide faster, accurate and cost-effective tools to assess and minimize environmental impacts, increasing our ability to detect and quantify possible emissions of radionuclides in the environment at ultra-low levels, and provide scientific support to help protect flora and fauna from ionizing radiation.