Separation and determination of 90Sr in low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes using extraction chromatography and LSC

Abstract

A methodology for the determination of 90Sr in low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants is presented in this work. It is a part of a methodology developed for the sequential radiochemical separation of radionuclides difficult-to-measure directly by gamma spectrometry in these radioactive wastes. The separation procedure was carried out using precipitation and extraction chromatography with Sr Resin, from Eichrom and the 90Sr was measured by liquid scintillation counting (LSC). Optimum conditions for the pretreatment, separation and LSC measurements were determined using simulated samples, which were prepared using standard solutions and carriers. The procedure showed to be rapid and achieved a good chemical yield, in the range 60–90%, and a detection limit of 6.0 × 10−4 Bq g−1. The method was also tested by participation in a national intercomparison program, with aqueous samples, with good agreement of results.