Rapid method to determine Polonium-210 in urban matrices

A rapid method for the determination of polonium-210 in urban matrices has been developed that can be used following a radiological event. Samples such as concrete, soil and granite are fused with sodium hydroxide to minimize polonium volatility during sample digestion and to achieve complete sample dissolution. Complete dissolution of samples is important to ensure method ruggedness. Polonium is concentrated and separated from the sample matrix using an iron hydroxide precipitation and extraction chromatography and subsequently measured by alpha spectrometry following microprecipitation with bismuth phosphate. The chromatographic separation removes alpha emitting interferences and matrix constituents which can adversely impact the measurement via alpha spectrometry.