Laboratory of Radiometric Methods

Head: Prof. Rajmund Dybczyński, Ph.D., D.Sc.

Deputy Head: Dr Halina Polkowska - Motrenko

The main analytical technique is neutron activation analysis (NAA) with the use of nuclear reactor. Both purely instrumental version of the method (INAA) and radiochemical approach (RNAA) are being develope

The research of the Laboratory has been focused on development of methodologies for the determination of trace elements in various matrices (geological, biological, environmental etc.) with the special emphasis on quality assurance. INAA was also used for the study of homogeneity of powder materials, in particular certified reference materials.

New separation methods for selected elements or groups of elements (e.g. rare earths, noble metals) are being developed and tested for eventual use in pre- or post irradiation procedures for RNAA. Some fundamental studies in the field of ion exchange and extraction chromatography have been also carried out. Special attention was given to the use of amphoteric ion exchange resins in analytical and radiochemical separations.

The elaboration of "definitive" or "highly accurate methods" for the determination of selected essential and/or toxic trace elements in biological materials has been initiated. Such methods, based on combination of neutron activation with selective and quantitative isolation of an analyte in the state of high radiochemical purity followed by -ray spectrometric measurement, are not intended for routine measurements but rather for checking the accuracy of other instrumental methods and certification of reference materials.

The methodology and applications of ion chromatography are also being developed together with some fundamental studies on column overloading, the thermodynamics of ion exchange reactions on "agglomerated" ion exchange resins and thermal stability of the columns.

The Laboratory is a producer of worldwide known certified reference materials (CRMs) for inorganic trace analysis. A complete strategy of preparation and certification of CRMs, starting from selection of a material down to elaboration of results of an interlaboratory comparison and assignment of certified values together with corresponding uncertainties as well as "information values", was devised. The interlaboratory comparisons are performed with the participation of over 100 laboratories from several countries employing various analytical techniques.

Proficiency Test Programs in the field of inorganic trace analysis and interlaboratory comparisons for the determination of radionuclides in the environmental material are conducted.