A number of analytical methods for Pu isotopes based on ICP-MS measurement have been developed and applied to the measurement of ultra-trace levels of Pu in nuclear fuel samples and environmental samples. The endeavour to improve the detection limit to sub-10 À18 g (ag) mL À1 has been continued by using efficient sample introduction systems. This review summarizes and critically discusses various types of ICP-MS, sample introduction systems and separation methods applied to the determination of Pu in many sample types. Together with the separation method, the adjustment of the Pu oxidation state in the loading solution preparation step and Pu elution step is summarized. The interference problem from polyatomic ions in ICP-MS coupled with various sample introduction systems is described, especially focused on the UH + interference. Several factors affecting the trueness and precision of Pu results are discussed.

The measurement of trace-element concentration in soil, sediment and waste, is generally a combination of a digestion procedure for dissolution of elements and a subsequent measurement of the dissolved elements. "Partial" and "total" digestion methods can be used in environmental monitoring activities. To compare measurement results obtained by different methods, it is crucial to determine and to maintain control of the bias of the results obtained by these methods. In this paper, ICP-MS results obtained after matrix digestion with modified aqua regia (HCl + HNO 3 + H 2 O 2 ) method and two "total" digestion methods (microwave aqua regia + HF and HNO 3 + HF) are compared with those obtained by instrumental neutron activation analysis, a nondestructive analytical method for the determination of the total mass concentrations of inorganic components in environmental matrices. The comparison was carried out on eight agricultural soil samples collected in one test area and measured by k 0 -INAA and ICP-MS to determine As, Co, Cr, Sb and Zn mass concentration. The bias of results for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb and Zn of the three digestion methods were assessed using selected measurement standards. This

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