Amy Elizabeth Hixon

US Patent:

8133740, Mar 13, 2012

Filed:

Aug 19, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/543856

Inventors:

Timothy A. DeVol - Clemson SC, US
Amy E. Hixon - Piedmont SC, US
David P. DiPrete - Evans GA, US

Assignee:

Clemson University Research Foundation - Anderson SC
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC - Aiken SC

International Classification:

G01N 33/20

US Classification:

436 82, 436 73, 436164, 436166

Abstract:

Disclosed are methods, materials and systems that can be used to determine qualitatively or quantitatively the level of uranium contamination in water samples. Beneficially, disclosed systems are relatively simple and cost-effective. For example, disclosed systems can be utilized by consumers having little or no training in chemical analysis techniques. Methods generally include a concentration step and a complexation step. Uranium concentration can be carried out according to an extraction chromatographic process and complexation can chemically bind uranium with a detectable substance such that the formed substance is visually detectable. Methods can detect uranium contamination down to levels even below the MCL as established by the EPA.