Determination of Ultra-trace Plutonium in Atmospheric Aerosols by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

A double-focused ICP-MS coupled with a membrane desolvating sample introduction system is used for the determination of ultra-trace plutonium in atmospheric aerosols. 242Pu is used as spike for the isotope dilution analysis. The detection limit of 239Pu obtained is 0.4 fg/mL. The matrix effect was minimized by matrix separation using extraction chromatography. The limit of determination for plutonium in atmospheric aerosols obtained is 5.7×10 -8 Bq/m 3.