Simultaneous 137Cs and 90Sr/90Y detection in water on an LS counter: A quick response in a case of radiation emergency

Abstract

This research investigates the possibility to simultaneously measure 137Cs and 90Sr/90Y content in water by Liquid Scintillation Counter Quantulus 1220. The method relies on the Cherenkov counting and does not require sample pre-treatment. During nuclear emergencies, a potential radioactive release should be promptly detected, and this technique ensures measurement results 2 h after the sample's arrival to the laboratory. 137Cs and 90Sr/90Y concentrations were determined with and without 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium salicylate ionic liquid's addition, which increased detection efficiency via wavelength-shifting mechanism. The results of analysis were obtained with relative deviations up to 70% from the true activities without IL's addition, but their accuracy was improved (with relative deviations up to 40%) after the addition of 1 g of ionic liquid to the counting vials.