Optimization of volatile radionuclides (³H, ¹⁴C, ¹²⁹I) analytical methods of radioactive waste using high-temperature thermal decomposition and wet digestion

Kim Hae-Ri; Lim Jong-Myoung; Kam Da-Young; Jang Mee; Yang Jae Hwan

doi:10.5806/AST.2025.38.6.371

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P-ISSN1225-0163
E-ISSN2288-8985
SCOPUS, ESCI, KCI

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P-ISSN 1225-0163
E-ISSN 2288-8985

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Vol.38, No.6

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Optimization of volatile radionuclides (³H, ¹⁴C, ¹²⁹I) analytical methods of radioactive waste using high-temperature thermal decomposition and wet digestion

Analytical Science and Technology / Analytical Science and Technology, (P)1225-0163; (E)2288-8985

2025, v.38 no.6, pp.371-382

https://doi.org/10.5806/AST.2025.38.6.371

Kim Hae-Ri (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Chungnam National University)
Lim Jong-Myoung (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute)
Kam Da-Young (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute)
Jang Mee (Chungnam National University)
Yang Jae Hwan (Chungnam National University)

Kim, H., Lim, J., Kam, D., Jang, M., & Yang, J. H. (2025). Optimization of volatile radionuclides (³H, ¹⁴C, ¹²⁹I) analytical methods of radioactive waste using high-temperature thermal decomposition and wet digestion. , 38(6), 371-382, https://doi.org/10.5806/AST.2025.38.6.371

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Abstract

Quantitative analysis of radioactive nuclides is essential for the disposal of radioactive waste generated during the operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Among these, tritium (³H), carbon-14 (¹⁴C), and iodine-129 (¹²⁹I) are representative target volatile nuclides requiring strict management due to their significance in radioactive waste handling. This study established optimal conditions for simultaneous separation and quantification of ³H, ¹⁴C, and ¹²⁹I in various waste matrices using high-temperature thermal decomposition and wet digestion methods. The pretreatment conditions were optimized by comparing the recovery rates of ³H, ¹⁴C, and ¹²⁹I under varying temperature and flow rate conditions during high-temperature decomposition. Additionally, selective application of liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was proposed for precise measurement of the target nuclides. The established pretreatment methods (high-temperature decomposition and wet digestion) and measurement techniques (LSC and ICP-MS) were applied to various waste samples, including soil, concrete, sludge, resin, metal, plastic, rubber, and paper, to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods.