Uranium isotopic signatures measured in samples of dirt collected at two former uranium facilities

Evaluating Best Practices in Raman Spectral Analysis for Uranium Speciation and Relative Abundance in Aqueous Solutions

“…A wide range of spectroscopic techniques are employed for the identification of hexavalent uranium (U­(VI)) in solution − and solid phase, , but Raman spectroscopy is increasingly being utilized for both species identification and quantitative analysis. , Alpha spectrometry and mass spectrometry are considered the gold standard for quantitative analysis of U and provide information on isotopic signatures for nuclear forensics applications. − Pretreatment steps for both methods can be time-consuming as the typical sample preparation includes dissolution of the solid phase in acid, followed by ion exchange, liquid–liquid extraction, or extraction chromatography. , Optical spectroscopy methods including fluorescence, FTIR, and UV, do provide some additional chemical information; − however, the resulting spectra contain broad overlapping features from various sample components. This limitation prevents positive identification of U species using UV spectroscopy and results in species validation if species also exhibit unique fluorescence spectra .…”

Nuclear Forensics: Scientific Analysis Supporting Law Enforcement and Nuclear Security Investigations

“…Meyers et al 15 demonstrated how uranium isotopic analysis on environmental samples can be used for nuclear forensic purposes. Soil samples were collected at two former uranium facilities; at one site uranium was refined and fabricated into metal ingots for fuel or targets, and at the other site uranium was rolled into rods.…”

Measurement of Uranium Isotope Ratios in Keratinous Materials: A Noninvasive Bioassay for Special Nuclear Material

“…The released U and other radionuclides are often bound to particles which persist in the environment . For example, in 2014, Meyers et al demonstrated that U isotope ratios measured in soil collected from two former U facilities reflected the work being conducted at the site . Individuals who work at or live near a nuclear site could come into contact with soil, dust, or other environmental materials that contain anthropogenic U.…”

“…21 For example, in 2014, Meyers et al demonstrated that U isotope ratios measured in soil collected from two former U facilities reflected the work being conducted at the site. 22 Individuals who work at or live near a nuclear site could come into contact with soil, dust, or other environmental materials that contain anthropogenic U. It is common practice to clean the surface of hair and nail samples prior to analysis to remove external contamination.…”