Analysis of cesium isotope compositions in environmental samples by thermal ionization mass spectrometry - 1. A preliminary study for source analysis of radioactive contamination in Fukushima prefecture

Abstract

Cesium was recovered from plant samples obtained from Fukushima prefecture. The isotopic ratios of 134Cs/137Cs and 135Cs/137Cs were analyzed by thermal ionization mass spectrometry with a single filament method using a TaO activator. Samples containing 5 Bq of 137Cs were analyzed with typical analytical errors of approximately 0.5% for 134Cs/137Cs and approximately 0.1% for 135Cs/137Cs. Measurements of both ratios showed profiles that were characteristic of the measurements of among other environmental samples reported in the literature. The results showed the isotopic ratios of 134Cs/137Cs and 135Cs/ 137Cs were applicable for the source analysis of radioactive Cs in Fukushima prefecture. © 2014 © 2014 Atomic Energy Society of Japan. All rights reserved.