Investigation on the use of UTEVA as a stationary phase for chromatographic separation of actinides on-line to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method based on the use of the UTEVA-Spec. Eichrom resin as the stationary chromatographic phase is described. The column was coupled on-line to an ICP-MS detector for the determination of actinides. The method is compared with one based on the use of commercially available cation-exchange stationary phases. The analytical procedure was validated by the use of certified reference materials as well as by other independent analytical techniques. It was demonstrated that the UTEVA-Spec. column can be used at the same time as a pre-concentration column, as well as a chromatographic column, lowering the detection limit of analysis down to a few pg g−1.