Determination of actinide nuclides in water samples from the primary circuit of a research reactor

Primary coolant samples from a research have been analyzed for239,240Pu,238Pu,238U,237Np and239Np. The determination of237Np and238U was carried out with the help of isotope dilution neutron activation analysis with239Np or238Np as tracer. For determination of239,240Pu and238Pu alpha spectroscopic isotope dilution analysis with238Pu as tracer was used.239Np was determined with the help of isotope dilution analysis using238Np as tracer. Nuclides were isolated by chemical separation on anionite resin. Before measurement, Pu isotopes were electrolytically deposited on stainless steel plates. Activity ratios referred to238U were reported. They are helpful for identification of the sources of actinide activity in reactor effluents.