Determination of thorium and uranium in total diet samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The Th and U contents in total diet samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The internal standardization method was adopted to compensate for non-spectral interferences arising from matrix elements in the sample solutions. Concentration levels of the order of pg ml–1 of Th and U in the total diet sample were determined easily and rapidly by using Bi as an internal standard. The mean concentrations and standard deviations of Th and U in the total diet samples were found to be 25 ± 12 and 44 ± 20 ng g–1 of ash, respectively (for n= 62).