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The development of analytical procedures for the measurement of ultra-low levels of (236)U in marine samples using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICPMS) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) techniques are discussed and results are presented for IAEA reference materials-marine sediments (IAEA-135, 306, 384 and 385), marine biota (IAEA-134 and 414) and seawater (IAEA-381), collected in areas affected by nuclear reprocessing plants and nuclear weapons tests. The obtained minimum detection limit of the (236)U/(238)U atom ratio was 1x10(-8) for AMS and 1x10(-6) for HR-ICPMS.

We have designed, built, and tested an electron cyclotron resonance ion source suited to the needs of an experimental program examining new methods of isotope ratio mass spectrometry using multiply charged ions. Contaminant levels have been reduced to low levels. Sample absorption and desorption effects are under investigation and preliminary results are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of ANTARES operations, describing (1) technical upgrades that now allow routine 0.3–0.4% 14C precision for 1 mg carbon samples and 1% precision for 100 micrograms, (2) proficiency at 236U measurements in environmental samples, (3) new developments in AMS of platinum group elements and (4), some major application projects undertaken over the period of the past three years. Importantly, the facility is poised to enter into a new phase of expansion with the recent delivery of a 2 MV 14C tandem accelerator system from High Voltage Engineering (HVE) and a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer from Micromass Inc. for combustion of organic samples and isotopic analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]