A rapid method for the determination of 90Sr in environmental samples

A rapid method of determining radiostrontium in an environmental sample is by chromatographic separation in a crown ether which selectively absorbs strontium from most inactive and radioactive interferences. Soil and leaf samples taken from the Technical University of Budapest school grounds last May 4, 1986 (a few days after the Chernobyl accident) were analyzed using this method. Beta activity was counted using a liquid scintillation counter. This method is applicable in emergency situations viz. accidental release of radioactivity in the environment wherein activity concentrations of total radiostrontium can be determined in 5-6 days in order to assess radiological protection measures to the public. (Author)