TestAmerica’s Radiochemistry Expert Provides Insight on Method Selection for Isotopic Uranium Analysis at the 2010 EMDQ Workshop

Terry Romanko, Technical Director of TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc., will present on key method analyses for identifying and quantifying various isotopes in uranium, at the 7th annual DoD Environmental Monitoring & Data Quality (EMDQ) Workshop. The poster session will be held on April 14, 2010 in Louisville, KY.

Uranium can be found naturally at low-levels in the environment or be man-made, and the various isotopes of this element may be present in environmental or waste samples. With the significant increase of health risks due to uranium’s chemical composition and radioactivity, accurate identification and quantification of these isotopes is needed. The three primary methods of analysis available include alpha spectroscopy, gamma spectroscopy, and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

The selection of a method is mainly driven by four factors, involving turnaround time (TAT), detection limit goals, the importance of isotopic abundance, and cost. Mr. Romanko will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology to assist in determining the most advantageous selection.

Terry Romanko has over 20 years of experience in quality, research, development, and production within the radiochemical field. His background includes work in the environmental, radiochemical, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, including a focus in Operations/Production, Product Development, Quality Control, and Radiation Safety. For more information on isotopic uranium analysis or radiochemistry, please contact Mr. Romanko through TestAmerica’s Ask the Expert website at www.testamericainc.com.


About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 36 laboratories and 31 service centers. TestAmerica provides innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source and ambient air, aquatic toxicity, explosives, specialty organics, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, emerging contaminants, radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; TestAmerica Drilling Corp., provider of innovative environmental and geotechnical drilling; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

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James H. Miller

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TestAmerica

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