Analysis of trace level uranium in wastewater using the PIXE method

Trace level uranium in wastewater is a particularly important issue for material accountancy and radiation protection. It is difficult to detect trace level uranium without concentrating wastewater. This study is a discussion of particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis that is used to find concentration of uranium easily. In the procedure discussed here, the quantity of solution and backing material are examined to determine how they affect the practicality of taking measurements. Our study resulted in findings that show higher sensitivity, shorter measurement time and wider range of concentration than those obtained by usual methods. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.