Improved optimum condition for recovery and measurement of <i>210</i>Po in environmental samples

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for deposition of ²¹⁰Po and evaluate the accuracy and precision of the results for its determination in environmental samples. To improve the technique for measurement of polonium-210(²¹⁰Po) in environmental samples. The optimization of five factors (volume of media, acidity, removal of interference, temperature and deposition time) governing the deposition of ²¹⁰Po onto silver discs were investigated. The optimum conditions for deposition of ²¹⁰Po in the present study were achieved using plating solution of 80 mL hydrochloric acid (HCl) media at acidity of 0.5 M with the presence of 1.0 gram hydroxyl ammonium chloride and plating temperature of 90^oC at 600 rpm for 4 hours. The recorded recoveries obtained using ²⁰⁹Po yield tracer in the CRM IAEA-360 and environmental samples were 85% - 98% showing that the efficiency of the new technique is a distinct improved method over existing ones. Therefore, optimization of ²¹⁰Po recoveries from aqueous environmental samples can be achieved with accuracy and precision in a cost effective and time saving manner using the optimum conditions preferred in the present study.

Keywords: Polonium-210, spontaneous plating, optimum conditions, environmental samples