Based on my experiences, there are three essential
conditions for the reliability of measurement results for naturally occurring water
samples:
1. Sampling: Water samples should be free from suspended matter/sediments. They
should be filtered before collection and their preservation. For preservation of
water samples, they should be acidified with AR nitric acid to pH-1.
2. For un-acidified water samples, the time interval between water collection and
analysis should occur on the same day.
3. Regarding the methodology adopted for uranium analysis, a choice of an appropriate fluorescence-enhancing reagent for different types of sample matrices is essential. Moreover, there are different methods of uranium analysis by laser induced fluorimetry depending on the sample matrix.
Moreover, there are other important parameters also, such as uranium/conductance ratio,
pH, total alkalinity/salinity values, the major, minor and trace elements present in hydro-geochemical samples play a major role in characterizing the strata given below the water table.The presence of fluoride may significantly affect the changes in uranium content.
The reliability/quality of measurement results of water samples depends on strict adherence to each step of sampling, preservation of samples, time-interval between sampling and analysis for filtered but un-acidified water samples, and on the methodology adopted, and not simply analyzed by any person or lab or any technique.
I request to the authors to kindly comment to validate their findings.
you can use several techniques such as gamma ray spectroscopy, SSNTDs, or the method suggested and approved by (Misdaq and Satif, 1995) Misdaq, M. A. and Satif, C. (1995). A new calculational method adapted to the experimental conditions for determining thorium and uranium contents in geological samples. Journal of Radioanal Nucl Chem, 1(198), 179-189.
Looked into the paper mentioned by Ammir, very useful. Gamma ray spectrometric method using NaI(Tl) detector would be another option where one can look into different gamma emission energies of daughter isotopes.
Depends on the type of water you have. For potable water, try ICP-MS. It is very sensitive and reasonably straightforward, provided you matrix match samples and standards. Detection limit is well under 0.1 ppb. One can easily analyse 100 sample a day.
I agree with Dr. B.K. Bhaumik and Ammir Ali for the determination of uranium and thorium content in soil samples. As far as uranium determination in water samples are concerned, there is a good comparison of different techniques available in a publication by Campen W, Bächmann K. Laser-induced fluorescence for the direct determination of small concentrations of uranium in water. Microchimica Acta 1979;72:159-70. Laser fluorimetry is a field technique for the direct determination of uranium.
In conclusion, the unique relationship between uranium and fluorimetry can be described as: An excellent marriage with unlimited versatility.
For determination of trace amount of naturally occurring uranium in water samples. Light Emitting Diode (LED) fluorimetry is reliable.
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