A radioanalytical scheme for determining transuranic nuclides and90Sr in environmental samples

A method is described incorporating the procedures used in the radiochemical assay of Pu, Am and radiostrontium in environmental samples into a single radioanalytical sequential scheme. Sequential schemes have been used for determining the transuranic nuclides (isotopes of Pu and Am) in various types of sample matrices, but do not normally incorporate90Sr within the same scheme. The method offers potential savings in analyst time and reagents for the analyses of these nuclides, and is particularly suitable for small analytical laboratories where manpower resources coupled with a limited working time (8-hour working day) are constraints, and where limited amounts of sample are submitted for the analyses of all 3 radionuclides.