The importance of filtration in technetium and iodine experiments

Abstract

Filter use in experiments is often unspecified, potentially affecting results. In this study, six different filters were investigated for technetium and iodine. Technetium was evaluated at pH 2.5, 6, and 11 for two concentrations. Three oxidation states of iodine (iodide, molecular iodine, and iodate) were evaluated at pH 7 for two concentration levels. The results obtained were analyzed using a t-test to determine if it was statistically different than an unfiltered sample. The experimental results are combined with a literature review highlighting the inconsistency of filter reporting in manuscripts, as well as not accounting for analyte loss on filters used.