A rapid method for determination of ultra-trace level Pu isotopes in atmospheric particulate matter samples using SF-ICP-MS and TEVA resin

A rapid method has been developed for determining ultra-low level Pu isotopes in atmospheric particulate matter samples using SF-ICP-MS and TEVA resin. The Pu purification, ashing conditions and microwave digestion, were optimized to achieve high decontamination factor of U (4.1 × 10 4 ) and stably high Pu recovery (80–90%). The method detection limits were estimated to be 0.83 fg/g for 239 Pu and 0.70 fg/g for 240 Pu. Four IAEA certified reference materials were used for method evaluation. Finally, the method was successfully applied to determine the source of Pu in atmospheric particulate matter samples. The method can be performed within 16 h.