An Automated Field Sampler Incorporating Solid Phase Extraction Disks for the Quantification of Radionuclide Concentrations in Surface Streams

Commercial ISCO, Inc. 3700 series portable samplers were modified to collect aqueous samples from surface streams and process the sample through 3M EmporeTM solid phase extraction (SPE) disks at the time of collection. The modified samplers were placed at routine sampling points around the Savannah River Site, a former nuclear production facility, such that the data produced by this study could be directly compared with historical and standard analysis results. The SPE disks tested were the commercial Tc RAD disk, the Sr RAD disk, and a test material selective for isotopes of cesium. The samplers were programmed to collect 30 mL samples every 30 minutes. The SPE disks were changed weekly, returning the disks to the lab for quantification of the radionuclide activities. Data collected over a four month field test period compares very favorably with concurrent laboratory based analyses and historical data, at a reduction in cost and significant time savings.