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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
08:53
Automated 90Sr Separation and Preconcentration in a Lab-on-Valve System at Ppq Level
Published on: June 6, 2018
A rapid method for determining 89Sr and 90Sr by Cerenkov counting.
1Staatliche Betriebsgesellschaft für Umwelt und Landwirtschaft, Altwahnsdorf 12, 01445 Radebeul, Germany. Kathrin.Guenther@smul.sachsen.de
Summary
A new method simplifies strontium-89 and strontium-90 analysis in water and milk using alginate. This technique provides rapid results within four days, crucial for environmental and food safety monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Strontium-89 ((89)Sr) and Strontium-90 ((90)Sr) are significant radioactive isotopes.
- Accurate determination of these isotopes is vital for environmental monitoring and food safety.
- Existing methods for (89)Sr and (90)Sr analysis can be time-consuming and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a simple and efficient method for determining (89)Sr and (90)Sr.
- To analyze (89)Sr and (90)Sr in environmental water and milk samples.
- To reduce the time required for sample preparation and analysis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized alginate for sample preparation in conjunction with Cerenkov counting.
- Employed a Liquid Scintillation Counter (TRI-Carb 3170TR/SL) in low-level counting mode.
- Developed a technique that bypasses the need for a long ingrowth period for the daughter nuclide (90)Y.
Main Results:
- Achieved results for (89)Sr and (90)Sr within four days.
- Established a detection limit of approximately 1 Bq/l for a 0.2l sample volume.
- Successfully prepared milk samples without the necessity of ashing.
Conclusions:
- The developed alginate-based method offers a simple and rapid approach for (89)Sr and (90)Sr determination.
- This method is suitable for routine analysis of water and milk samples, enhancing monitoring capabilities.
- The technique's efficiency and reduced preparation time make it a valuable tool for radiological surveillance.
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