Rapid method to determine 89Sr/90Sr in large concrete samples

A new rapid method has been developed that provides high quality low-level measurements of 89,90Sr in concrete samples with an minimum detectable activity of <1 mBq g−1. The new method is fast, meets new decommissioning regulatory limits and is robust even if refractory particles are present. The method utilizes a rapid fusion to ensure total dissolution of samples and rapid preconcentration and separation of 89,90Sr from 5 to 10 g concrete samples. When, the 89Sr/90Sr ratio is high, Sr can be isolated from up to 5 g concrete samples, total 89/90Sr measured, and then 90Sr determined via 90Y separated after a period of ingrowth. Another approach allows the immediate determination of 90Sr in 10 g concrete aliquots without waiting for 90Y ingrowth, in instances where the shorter lived 89Sr is unlikely to be encountered.