In-situ Monitoring of the Radioactive Contaminant Tc-99 in Groundwater Using a Reagentless Equilibrium-based Sensor

Technetium-99 is a significant contaminant of concern at U.S. DOE sites. It is a pure beta-emitting radionuclide with an extremely long half-life (t1/2=2.13 X 105 yrs) and is highly mobile in the environment. Because it is capable of migrating through an aquifer virtually unencumbered, it is essential that the plumes be closely monitored. In this project, an automated field deployable monitoring system, using an equilibration-based preconcentrating minicolumn sensor, will be used to monitor TC-99 concentrations. The system will be capable of being deployed unattended in the field for several months, and measuring TC-99 concentrations below the regulatory limit of 900 pCi/L. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The system should have application at DOE sites with radiological contaminants (Hanford Site, Washington). The system would decrease monitoring costs and enhance the understanding of the fate of radiologicals in the environment.