Application of Cherenkov radiation counting for determination of 90Sr in environmental samples

Cherenkov radiation produced by the hard β-emitter 90Y was measured by using a commercial liquid scintillation analyser (LSA) for determination of 90Sr in environmental samples. The conventionally used chemical procedures for separation of 90Sr were simplified and a non-destructive Cherenkov assay method (NDCA) was developed. The analytical procedures and measurement techniques were tested by participating in the quality assurance programme conducted by the International Reference Centre (IRC, France) for the determination of 90Sr in diet and IAEA soil samples. The paper presents the methodologies developed for determination of 90Sr in several matrices such as fresh water, soil, grass, seaweed, diet and air filter samples. The results were compared with those by the conventional nitrate method, showing an excellent agreement.