Table 3
The advantages and disadvantages of analytical instruments for radionuclides
| Category | Analytical Instrument | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Radiometric Techniques | Alpha Spectrometry | High sensitivity | Only detects alpha particles |
| High resolution | High sample preparation requirements | ||
| Simple operation | Limited alpha particle energy range | ||
| Low cost | Sensitive to environmental conditions | ||
| Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) | High sensitivity | High sample preparation requirements | |
| High efficiency | Sensitive to chemical quenching | ||
| Versatility | Sensitive to chemical quenching | ||
| Automation | High cost of scintillation solution | ||
| Gamma Spectrometry | High sensitivity and selection | Limited to gamma emitters | |
| Non-destructive | Interferences | ||
| Relatively fast | Expensive | ||
| Low-Energy Inorganic Mass Spectrometry | Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) | High sensitivity | Interferences |
| Multi-elemental capability | Limited information about chemical speciation | ||
| Isotopic analysis | Expensive | ||
| Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) | High precision and accuracy | Limited elemental coverage | |
| High sensitivity | Time-consuming analysis | ||
| Isotopic analysis | Limited sample size | ||
| Quantitative analysis | Expensive | ||
| Long-term stability | |||
| Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS) | High sensitivity and selection | Limited elemental coverage | |
| Isobaric interference-free | Time-consuming analysis | ||
| High spatial resolution | Limited availability | ||
| Quantitative analysis | |||
| Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) | High sensitivity | Expensive | |
| High elemental coverage | Limited sample size | ||
| Quantitative analysis | Time-consuming analysis | ||
| Depth profiling capability | Limited spatial resolution | ||
| Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) | High spatial resolution | Expensive | |
| High sensitivity | Limited sample size | ||
| Isotopic analysis | Time-consuming analysis | ||
| Depth profiling capability | |||
| Multi-elemental capability | |||
| 3H-3He Ingrowth Mass Spectrometry | High sensitivity | Only for tritium | |
| Isotopic specificity | Time-consuming analysis | ||
| Quantitative analysis | Limited information about chemical speciation | ||
| Positive-Ion Mass Spectrometry | High sensitivity | Limited elemental coverage | |
| Multi-elemental capability | Limited information about chemical speciation | ||
| Isotopic analysis | Quantitative analysis challenges | ||
| Fast | Interferences | ||
| Accelerator Mass Spectrometry | Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) | Ultra-high sensitivity | Complex instrumentation |
| Isotopic specificity | Time-consuming analysis | ||
| Quantitative analysis | High capital cost | ||
| Wide range of applications | Limited availability |
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