APPLICATION OF EMPORE(TM) STRONTIUM RAD DISKS TO THE ANALYSIS OF RADIOSTRONTIUM IN ENVIRONMENTAL WATER SAMPLES

A solid phase extraction method for analyzing radioactive strontium in surface, ground, and drinking waters is presented. Strontium is simpl y isolated by pulling an acidified sample aliquot through an Empore(TM ) Strontium Rad Disk with a vacuum, and the disk is subsequently assay ed for beta activity. The method is efficient, safe, reliable, and pot entially field deployable. Sample preparation and counting source prep aration may be condensed into a single procedure, thereby improving ef ficiency and eliminating many potential sources of laboratory error. M oreover, many of the hazardous chemicals associated with traditional s trontium procedures are eliminated. Samples are easily batched, and a one-liter sample may be prepared with as little as 20 min of effort. F or a one-liter aqueous sample, up to 3 mg of strontium can be retained by the disks. Chemical and radiometric interferences are discussed.