Comparison of two methods for the rapid radiochemical analysis of air dust samples in emergency situations

Highlights: • Two radiochemical methods to simultaneous separation of Pu, U, Am and Sr in air filters are compared. • Radiochemical separations are based on extraction chromatography combining different resin cartridges in a tandem setup. • Methods are a good basis for fast analysis strategies in nuclear or radiological emergency scenarios. - Abstract: The reliable determination of airborne radionuclides in air is a key aspect in decision-making for the protection against public exposure in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency. Nowadays, this needs to be done in real time and at the international level. These needs require the development of fast response protocols and the harmonisation of results. This work presents two fast radiochemical methods for the simultaneous separation of alpha and beta emitters in aerosols and their performance in a series of samples.