Overcoming ICP-QMS instrumental limitations for (99)Tc determination in environmental solid samples using radiochemistry.

Besides its capabilities, quadrupole-based ICP-MS counting establishes several limitations on (99)Tc analysis in environmental samples. Overcoming these limitations requires the use of radiochemical methods. We have developed a new method for the detection of (99)Tc by ICP-QMS in solid environmental samples. In order to improve the limit of detection of the technique, high amounts of solid samples (> or = 100g) are used. Hence, great amounts of the interfering elements are involved in the process, and therefore special emphasis is put on achieving a good commitment between adequate matrix elements removal and a minimization of the limit of detection. The performances of the method are analyzed in terms of conveniently defined figures of merit. The developed method is applied to several fallout level samples. In this way, the real performances and especially the real limitations of this method are shown.