Anthropogenic processes (mining, milling, industries, and automobiles) including the modern trends in the agriculture contaminated the soil and water affecting the biogeochemical cycling of many elements. This resulted in the degradation of soil-water system causing damage to the environment and the ecosystem. In addition to this, since depleted uranium (DU) could also have been used in the Balkan conflict 1999, there has been a concern about the possible consequences of its use for the people and for the environment of this region. Therefore, management of fresh water resources is utmost important in the 21st century for the sustainable development. In this context, isotope geochemistry is a very useful tracer tool not only to establish the origin of pollutants and their relative contributions from various sources (natural and anthropogenic) but also the effect on the soil-water system. Isotope studies can be carried out using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), and results of such studies are very useful and precise in delineating the source(s) of contaminants, tracing the flow-path of ground water and aid us in planning better management of freshwater resources. We have collected a few well water samples, ground water samples and soil samples in south Serbia region. The sample preparation procedures are critical analytical steps and influence the quality of the final results. The representativeness of the samples examined, a digestion procedure which ensures the quantitative conversion of transuranium elements and other trace elements into a suitable complex and elimination of matrix effects are essential while measuring uranium isotopes, especially in the analysis of environmental materials. Special procedures for the purification of reagents and reaction vessels are required in order to reduce the blank below the limits of detection of the most sensitive detection techniques, such as ICP-MS or TIMS. Method. The soil samples were decomposed using microwave digestion with a mixture of HNO3, HF and HClO4. Water samples were open dried with HNO3. Determination of transuranium elements as well as other trace elements were performed using an ICP-MS. Uranium was isolated from soil and water samples by chemical separation procedure based on the use of anion-exchange resin and UTEVA extraction chromatography. The isotope ratios were measured with a magnetic sector, thermal ionization mass spectrometer equipped with a multiple ion collector system for simultaneous detection of the ion currents. The results and distribution of transuranium elements in water and soil samples will be presented in the lecture. TIMS shows the highest precision and accuracy and capable of detecting depleted uranium in soil samples affected due to conflicts.Promotion of New Electrochemical Etching Facility and Its Applications to Natural Radiation Studies in Western Balkan Countrie
