Use of ion chromatography for the determination of fission products and actinides in nuclear applications

The application of ion chromatography (IC) for the determination of trace radioisotopes and ion impurities, as well as for the separation of fission products and actinides in applications of nuclear concern is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the on-line coupling of IC with nuclear and non-nuclear detection modes. Recent results obtained employing a coupled IC-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the characterization of the complete inventory of fission products and actinides in spent nuclear fuel and high-level liquid waste samples are discussed in terms of isobaric interference elimination and isotope determination. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.