Abstract
A study was undertaken to survey other potential sampling media that may be more effective in collecting nuclear materials and at the same time contain less uranium. Approximately 40 natural and synthetic fiber wipers were tested. A few were coated with complexants and/or solvents during the manufacturing process. Adhesives and tapes were also included. The relative merits of each sampling matrix were reviewed on the basis of: 1) efficiency in collecting uranium from surfaces, 2) the ease by which the wiper fabric is separated from the nuclear components, 3) latent uranium background of the wiper, 4) the impact that any dissolved swipe components might have on the chromatographic recovery of uranium, and finally, 5) the presence of any isobaric interferences that the dissolved swipe might contribute to the background during MS analysis. Results from this survey are compared to the standard cotton swipe and recommendations presented for the most promising candidates for further consideration.
