Activity reduction of radioactive mixed wastes for subsequent carboxylate determinations

Tank wastes are usually very basic, pH>12, and extremely radioactive. An ion exchange method for removing most of the radioactive components has been developed. The sample can then be removed from the hot cell facility to be analyzed for chelator, chelator fragments, and low-molecular weight acids. The use of cation exchange resin in the sample preparation does not introduce or remove any organic carbon.