Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology

Waste characterisation associated with nuclear site decommissioning relies on radiochemical analysis of a diverse range of sample types, requiring extensive validation of analytical techniques using matrix-matched materials. The absence of relevant reference materials has hindered robust method development and validation. The paper discusses how method validation in support of nuclear waste characterisation can be achieved without using reference materials. The key stages in an analytical procedure are evaluated and a multi-stage approach is proposed with the ultimate aim of determining an operational envelope for an analytical procedure.

Keywords

Decommissioning,Radioactive waste characterisation,Validation,Radioanalytical techniques