Determination of Np-237 by radiochemical neutron activation analysis combined with extraction chromatography

A procedure for determination of 237Np, 238Pu, 239,240Pu and 241Pu in environmental samples is described. Neptunium-237 is determined using radiochemical neutron activation analysis with pre- and post-irradiation chemistry based on solvent extraction and extraction chromatography. 238Pu, 239,240Pu is determined using α spectrometry and 241Pu by liquid scintillation spectrometry. The vertical profiles of 237Np, 238Pu, 239,240Pu in bottom sediments from the Black Sea are presented.