Separation and quantification of 238U, 232Th and rare earths in monazite samples by ion chromatography coupled with on-line flow scintillation detector

An alternative procedure has been described for efficient separation and quantitative determination of uranium (U), thorium (Th) and rare earth elements (REEs) in monazite mineral by high performance ion chromatographic system (IC). Different variables affecting the distribution coefficient, the retention and hence separation efficiency such as eluent flow rate and concentrations of HCl and ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 containing the mobile phase were studied. The developed separation protocol of U, Th and REEs was optimized using an Ion Pac CS5 separation column followed by post-column derivatization reaction with Arsenaso III and UV–VIS spectrophotometeric detection. Comparative evaluation of U, Th and REEs concentration in monazite mineral was demonstrated using two different on-line detection modes including flow through cell scintillation detector (FSD) and UV–VIS spectrophotometer. Response of the FSD was found to be linear over the full range of activities investigated (4–100 Bq). The lower limits of detection (LLD) for the investigated radionuclides were 3.0±0.1 Bq for 238U and 6.0±0.1 Bq for 232Th. The detection of 238U and 232Th by FSD shows good agreement with the corresponding determination by UV–VIS spectrophotometer. The content of ThO2 and U3O8 in monazite sample were found to be 4.7±0.1% and 0.42±0.04% using UV–VIS detector and 4.3±0.1% and 0.45±0.1% using FSD, respectively.