Determination of 210Po in environmental materials: A review of analytical methodology

Polonium-210 (210Po) is analysed for a variety of purposes, including for radiological impact assessment, as a tracer of environmental processes, and as an indirect measure of its progenitor lead-210 (210Pb). Losses of polonium may occur at temperatures above 100 °C, depending on conditions, requiring particular care in sample preparation and treatment. In spite of this problem, the analysis of 210Po is relatively straightforward, due to the ease of source preparation through spontaneous auto-deposition onto metal surfaces and the uncomplicated α spectrum. Although several optimisation studies have been carried out, published source preparation methods remain remarkably diverse. Some areas where further study would be useful are identified.