Abstract: A method for separation, identification, and quantification of radioactive species in an environmental fluid, such as surface or ground water, by passing the fluid through a sheet article. The sheet article is an essentially homogenous, fibrous or fibrillated, matrix or membrane that includes (1) ion-specific separators that sorb or react with the targeted radioactive species and (2) scintillators which emit light in response to radioactive emissions from the targeted species. The separators can be macrocyclic ligand-containing particles. The scintillators can be particles, fibers, a coating on the particles, or a coating on the fibrous matrix or membrane. The scintillator can be an organic scintillator or an inorganic crystalline scintillator. In one embodiment both the scintillator and the separator are incorporated into the same particle or fiber. A scintillation counter can be used to detect and quantify the emitted light.

Abstract: A method of radiochemical analysis comprises the steps of providing a solid phase extraction sheet material comprising ion-specific sorptive or reactive particles and a porous matrix as carrier for the particles, and providing a fluid including an ion-containing radiochemical analyte comprising the specific ion, contacting the sheet material with the fluid for a time sufficient for the particles to selectively extract the analyte from the fluid, and analyzing the sheet material in a direct mode for quantitative or qualitative data relating to the radiochemical analyte. Solid phase extraction sheet materials and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of radiochemical analysis having the steps of providing a solid phase extraction sheet material containing ion-specific sorptive or reactive particles in a porous matrix as carrier for the particles, and providing a fluid including an ion-containing radiochemical analyte, contacting the sheet material with the fluid for a time sufficient for the particles to selectively extract the analyte from the fluid, and analyzing the sheet material in a direct mode for quantitative or qualitative data relating to the radiochemical analyte. Solid phase extraction sheet materials and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Adhesively bonded rail joint which is quick to assemble and easy to dismantle and reassemble. The face of each joint bar of the rail joint has a layer of thermoplastic adhesive which upon moderate heating adheres strongly under moderate pressure to conforming surfaces of the rail ends. Because the thermoplastic adhesive does not cure, the joint bars are easily separated from the rails by reheating the adhesive and can be reapplied or used as part of a new rail joint.