New horizons in microparticle forensics

Actinide imaging and detection of ²³⁸ Pu and ^242m Am in hot particles

authored by

Hauke Bosco, Linda Hamann, Nina Kneip, Manuel Raiwa, Martin Weiss, Klaus Wendt, Clemens Walther

Abstract

Micrometer-sized pollutant particles are of highest concern in environmental and life sciences, cosmochemistry, and forensics. From their composition, detailed information on origin and potential risks to human health or environment is obtained. We combine secondary ion mass spectrometry with resonant laser ionization to selectively examine elemental and isotopic composition of individual particles at submicrometer spatial resolution. Avoiding any chemical sample preparation, isobaric interferences are suppressed by five orders of magnitude. In contrast to most mass spectrometric techniques, only negligible mass is consumed, leaving the particle intact for further studies. Identification of actinide elements and their isotopes on a Chernobyl hot particle, including ^242mAm at ultratrace levels, proved the performance. Beyond that, the technique is applicable to almost all elements and opens up previously unexplored scientific applications.

Organisation(s)

Centre for Radiation Protection and Radioecology

External Organisation(s)

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Type

Article

Journal

Science advances

Volume

7

ISSN

2375-2548

Publication date

10.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abj1175 (Access: Open)