²²⁶Ra determination in complex samples using liquid scintillation counting

A co-precipitation method followed by a liquid-liquid extraction and liquid scintillation counting is proposed to get low ²²⁶Ra detection limits when measuring complex samples. The sensitivity of the method is determined with an analysis of interfering agents on it. The ion-exchange followed by alpha spectrometry is also described and an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of both methods is carried out. Then, a comparison between both methods, considering also time and cost analysis, is realised. Conclusions show that both methods provide similar values for uncertainties, critical values and chemical yields when similar sample size and measuring times are chosen. (author)