Abstract
Assessment of 90Sr is of great interest owing to the fact that this artificially produced radionuclide has high radiological importance because of its high fission yield, chemical similarity to calcium and its relatively long biological and physical half-life. To assess the likely hazard to population, low level 90Sr in environmental samples is determined using pre-equilibrated tri-butyl phosphate (TBP) solvent and extraction-liquid scintillation procedure. 90Y is selectively extracted from nitric acid solution into TBP solvent and stripped into aqueous phase as oxalate. The activity is finally measured by low level liquid scintillation counter using Cerenkov radiation. The specific activity is found only in three vegetation samples with average value of 2.86±1.7 Bq·kg−1 of dry weight. In all other samples analyzed, the activity is below the detectable limit, i.e., 0.03 Bq. Results obtained are comparable with other areas of Pakistan. The chemical recovery of 90Y varies from 75 to 90% for soil, vegetation and water. The present study provides a general background of the detectable radionuclide for the surveyed area that will be helpful in any radiological emergency.
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