  The 232U content of various uranium-bearing items was measured using
low-background gamma spectrometry. The method is independent of the measurement
geometry, sample form and chemical composition. Since 232U is an artificially
produced isotope, it carries information about previous irradiation of the
material, which is relevant for nuclear forensics, nuclear safeguards and for
nuclear reactor operations. A correlation between the 232U content and 235U
enrichment of the investigated samples has been established, which is
consistent with theoretical predictions. It is also shown how the correlation
of the mass ratio 232U/235U vs. 235U content can be used to distinguish
materials contaminated with reprocessed uranium from materials made of
reprocessed uranium.
