A SEMI-AUTOMATED APPROACH FOR PROCESSING AND EXTRACTING LOW-LEVEL PLUTONIUM FROM SOIL

A semi-automated approach for processing and extracting plutonium from large soil samples has been developed and implemented in our laboratory. The system approach was designed around basic plutonium techniques already published in the literature. The technique was carried out using modular work stations for the major analytical steps, namely; soil leaching, plutonium extraction and phase evaporation. This allowed the laboratory to operate in a batch mode which improved sample flow and significantly reduced analysis cost and time. The method has been validated and is routinely used in our laboratory. Chemical yield, accuracy and precision were comparable to those obtained from manual procedures. The system was designed with built-in flexibility to accommodate revised or similar procedures and to complement most existing laboratory equipment and resources.