A comparison of 90Sr determination methods using separation on AnaLig® Sr-01 gel and non-destructive direct beta spectrometry

• Radiochemical and physical method for 90Sr activity measurement were compared.
• Results of repeated measurements were statistically evaluated.
• Similar results were obtained for both methods for surface contaminated samples.
• Beta spectrometry result was not affected by the distribution of activity on sample.
• Direct beta spectrometry method was more suitable for operative measurements.

The results of 90Sr activity determination by the radiochemical separation method with AnaLig® Sr-01 resin and a non-destructive physical method based on beta spectrometer with plastic scintillator were compared. Smear samples with different contamination levels were analysed. In case of the radiochemical method dissolved smears were repeatedly analysed and compared with the direct beta spectrometry measurements. No statistically significant differences between the results of two different methods were observed. It related to averages as well as to variances of repeated data results. Non-destructive direct 90Sr beta spectrometry measurements were selective even at high 137Cs background and provided similar results compared with the radiochemical method using AnaLig® Sr-01 strontium selective sorbent. However, the direct measurements of 90Sr were quicker and required much less effort during sample preparation.