Rapid determination of 210Pb and 210Po by sequential cloud point extraction for environmental monitoring

A new sequential cloud point extraction (CPE) procedure was developed and validated for the determination of Pb-210 and Po-210 by ICP-MS/MS and alpha spectrometry, respectively. Two distinct CPE systems using 4 ',4''(5 '')-di-tert-butyldicyclohexano-18-crown-6 and N,N,N ',N '-tetraoctyldiglycolamide as chelating agents were performed sequentially on the same sample. Method detection limits of 13 and 3.5 mBq L-1, were achieved for Pb-210 and Po-210, respectively. The sequential approach shows its outstanding versatility and proficiency to rapidly extract, detect, and quantify both radionuclides in various matrices for a wide range of activities.

Automated summary

A new sequential cloud point extraction procedure was developed for the determination of Pb-210 and Po-210, achieving method detection limits of 13 and 3.5 mBq L-1, respectively. The sequential approach demonstrated outstanding versatility and proficiency in rapidly extracting, detecting, and quantifying both radionuclides in various matrices with a wide range of activities.