Low-level 226Ra determination in groundwater by SF-ICP-MS: optimization of separation and pre-concentration methods

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques have been widely used for analysis of long-lived environmental radionuclides. In this paper, we present an optimization of the sector field (SF)-ICP-MS technique for the analysis of 226Ra in groundwater samples using a method of pre-concentration of radium in water samples. The separation protocol and a sequential application of ion exchange and extraction chromatography have been optimized, and related polyatomic interferences and matrix effects affecting the 226Ra signal were investigated. Analyzing 12 replicates (water spiking at 22 fg g−1 of 226Ra), the 226Ra recovery efficiency close to 100 % has been obtained. The instrumental 226Ra detection limit of 0.09 fg g−1 (3σ criterion) and the absolute detection limit of 0.05 fg in a 25-mL groundwater sample have been reached. An optimization of the radium separation method and a pre-concentration of radium in groundwater samples led to high radium recoveries, almost up to 100 %. The same could be said with respect to the separation of the interfering elements, important for the quantitative 226Ra analysis by SF-ICP-MS. The improvements in the separation and pre-concentration techniques also helped to improve the 226Ra detection limit down to 0.05 fg/25 mL of groundwater sample

Pollution of water resources and application of ICP-MS techniques for monitoring and management—A comprehensive review

Different natural and anthropogenic processes cause pollution of various water bodies worldwide creating numerous health problems for humans. This causes serious concern as water is a basic necessity to all living beings, and needs to be adequately monitored and managed to prevent its contamination. If found contaminated, the water is to be cleaned using suitable water treatment methods keeping in view of WHO regulations before using it for the intended purpose (drinking, irrigation, etc.). Application of different ICP-MS techniques such as classical ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS, HR-ICP-MS, MH-ICP-MS, and MC-ICP-MS for the qualitative and quantitative determination of toxic metals, isotopes and, metal species, and effective monitoring of various other pollutants in drinking water, surface water, groundwater, industrial effluents, and water used for irrigation, aquaculture and for various industries is the focal point of this article. In general, the concentrations of major, minor, and trace element composition of water samples are influenced mainly by the bedrock geology of the point of emergence, as well as by the residence time and the depth of the aquifer. For better management of water resources, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the quality (with respect to physical, chemical, and biological) requirements, and sustainability of groundwater from a particular source. Identifying the sources of contamination, understanding the health risks associated, and the application of suitable water treatment technique(s) before it is supplied for public consumption. It is also necessary to intensify our studies on the metal species (e.g., As3+, Cr6+ and methyl mercury) in drinking water and their effects on human health, and their regulatory limits in drinking water

Uranium, radium and tritium groundwater monitoring at INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Italy

Uranium groundwater anomalies, which were observed in cataclastic rocks crossing the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratory before the L\u2019Aquila earthquake (April 6th, 2009), have been studied versus radium and tritium contents. The radionuclide analysis supports the role of endogenic fluid dynamics for uranium content in groundwater rather than percolation processes, due to meteoric events occurring above the water table of the Gran Sasso aquifer. The uranium anomalies represent a key geochemical signal of a progressive increase of deep fluids fluxes at middle-lower crustal levels associated with the geodynamics of the earthquake. Moreover, the uranium represents a more precise strain-meter than radon as its presence can be modulated during the preparation phase of the earthquake, and only successively released by micro- fracturing during the main shock and aftershocks