The determination of strontium 90 in environmental materials.

Abstract

A method for determining strontium 90 in environmental materials is described. It consists of the ion-exchange separation of strontium from calcium at an elevated temperature by careful control of pH and the molar ratio of Ca:EDTA, followed by scavenging, Activity of the Sr-90 is determined by counting the yttrium 90 daughter. Recovery of strontium is determined with Sr-85 tracer. Typical recovery of strontium is 70-90 per cent. Procedures are given for analysis of milk, vegetation, meat and fish, rainwater, and oyster shell and reference is made to analysis of oyster flesh, soil and effluent.