Determination of mercury in radioactive samples by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Plutonium processing and the analysis of radioactive samples generate significant quantities of residue and waste of various matrices. There are strict guidelines in place for the handling, storage, reprocessing, and disposal of these process remains. Characterization of residues and waste streams may require a quantitative determination of Hg at ppb and sub-ppb levels. The detection of Hg at these levels requires a sensitive yet stable method of analysis. The method utilized was cold vapor atomic fluorescence (CVAF). All samples were analyzed using the PS Analytical CVAF Hg Analyzer.