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Measurement of 90Sr in bone ash
T Altzitzoglou1, J J LaRosa, C Nicholl
1EC-JRC Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Geel, Belgium.
Summary
This study details a new method for measuring strontium-90 (90Sr) in bone ash, a crucial step for accurate radionuclide monitoring in bone tissue. The developed radiochemical technique ensures reliable quantification of 90Sr activity concentration for standard reference materials.
Area of Science:
- Radiochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nuclear Science
Background:
- Bone is a significant repository for radionuclides, including strontium-90 (90Sr).
- Accurate measurement of 90Sr in bone is vital for radiological protection and environmental monitoring.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) prepared bone ash as a standard reference material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and report a radiochemical procedure for assaying 90Sr activity concentration in bone ash.
- To establish a reliable method for quantifying 90Sr in a NIST-prepared bone ash standard.
Main Methods:
- Extraction chromatography using a crown ether was employed to separate strontium (Sr) from the bone ash matrix.
- Natural Sr content was quantified using isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS).
- 90Sr activity concentration was measured using low-level liquid scintillation counting (LSC).
Main Results:
- A robust radiochemical separation method for Sr from bone ash was successfully developed.
- The natural Sr content of the bone ash was accurately determined.
- The 90Sr activity concentration in the bone ash reference material was quantified.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides a reliable means for determining 90Sr activity concentration in bone ash.
- This work contributes to the availability of accurate reference materials for radionuclide analysis.
- The findings support improved monitoring of 90Sr in biological samples.