University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (4): 353-358.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202406103

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Measurement of Uranium Isotopes in Environmental Water Samples by Alpha-Spectroscopy: Design of an Undergraduate Radiochemistry Experiment

Zongyuan Chen1,2, ChunSheng Shi2, Yiwen Li2, Ganlin Zu2, Qiang Jin1,2, Haishan Wang3, Fujun Wang3, Dekun Yan3, Zhijun Guo1,2, Wangsuo Wu1,2   

  1. 1 Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
    2 School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
    3 Nuclear and radiation Safety Center of Gansu province, Lanzhou 730022, China
  • Received:2024-06-25 Accepted:2024-08-12 Published:2025-04-25
  • Contact: Zongyuan Chen E-mail:zychen@lzu.edu.cn

PDF

267

Like

Abstract: Based on the practical work of radiation environmental monitoring, we have designed an undergraduate experiment to measure uranium isotopes in environmental water samples using alpha-spectroscopy. This experiment comprises three parts: uranium separation and purification, preparation of the electroplating source, and spectrometer measurement with data analysis. Through this experiment, students gain hands-on experience in the actual environmental monitoring process, deepen their understanding of alpha-spectrometers, enhance their operational skills, and promote the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Key words: Radiochemical experiment, Alpha-spectroscopy, Electroplate, Uranium isotope