Analytical method for the determination of gross beta, 90Sr, 226Ra and Pu isotopes in environmental samples

This study presents analytical methods for the determination of gross beta, 90Sr, 226Ra and Pu isotopes using samples in the IAEA-TEL-2015-04 ALMERA Proficiency Test exercise. Samples for gross beta were prepared by evaporation and then analyzed using a gas proportional counter. 90Sr in the liquid sample was concentrated as SrCO3 precipitates and purified by Sr resin. Pu isotopes and 90Sr in the soil sample were extracted from the sample by mineral acid leaching and separated using TEVA and Sr resin, respectively. Pu isotopes were determined by alpha spectrometry and 90Sr were determined with a liquid scintillation counter. Radium in the soil sample was extracted by LiBO2 fusion, and the radon-emanation method using LSC was applied for the determination of 226Ra.