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

Cherenkov radiation produced by the hard beta-emitter Y-90 was measured by using a commercial liquid scintillation analyser (LSA) for determination of Sr-90 in environmental samples. The conventionally used chemical procedure s for separation of Sr-90 were simplified and a nondestructive Cherenkov as say 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 deter mination of 90Sr in diet and IAEA soil samples. The paper presents the meth odologies developed for determination of Sr-90 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 ex cellent agreement. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.