DETERMINATION OF RADIOSTRONTIUM IN ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTS BY EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHY USING TVEX-DCH18C6

A new method for the rapid isolation of strontium radionuclides from e nvironmental objects is described. The method is based on the selectiv e extraction of strontium with a solution of dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 i n tetrachloroethane from nitric acid solution. The usage of this proce ss in extraction chromatography permits to isolate strontium radionucl ides with contamination coefficients not less than 10(2)-10(3). A high ly porous matrix of a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene is used as support. The method includes the following steps: nitric acid leach ing of the sample calcined at 500-600-degrees-C with final adjustment to 1.5-2.0 M HNO3; elution of nitric acid extract through the extracti on chromatographic column; washing of the column with 1.5-2.0M HNO3; d esorption of strontium with hot water; precipitation of strontium carb onate and measurement of beta-activity of the precipitate.