Determination of uranium and thorium in soils and plants by ICP-MS. Case study of Buhovo region

Abstract

ICP-MS was used for determination of U and Th in soil and plant samples from Buhovo mining area. The results proved considerably higher concentrations of both elements and higher isotope ratios (238U/232Th and 235U/238U) in the investigated soils and plants in comparison to background samples. U and Th were concentrated mainly in the seeds of the plants in contrast to background plants. Highest uptake of the elements was established for the dandelion and lowest for the wheat sample.