A sensitive method for Sr-90 analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sasa, Kimikazu; Honda, Maki; Hosoya, Seiji; Takahashi, Tsutomu; Takano, Kenta; Ochiai, Yuta; Sakaguchi, Aya; Kurita, Saori; Satou, Yukihiko; Sueki, Keisuke
• Is Part Of: Journal of nuclear science and technology. Volume 58:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: 90Sr analysis -- accelerator mass spectrometry -- SrF3– -- SrF2 preparation -- IAEA proficiency test solution; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; Nuclear physics -- Periodicals; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1080/00223131.2020.1801530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3131

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Strontium-90 is one of the most important fission products due to the potential health risks of its uptake and retention in the human body. Conventional analysis techniques involve β counting, which requires ingrowth of 90 Y over a period of two weeks. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) has the potential to shorten the analysis time while offering a lower limit of detection than β counting. Here, Sr in samples was recovered as SrF2 to provide sufficient negative ions in the caesium-sputtering ion source. In the sample preparation step, 95–98% of Sr was recovered and 99–100% of Zr removed by ion-exchange separation. Sr recovery was ~30% in the precipitation process, and this can be improved. A maximum 500 nA beam current of SrF3 – ions was obtained from SrF2 samples mixed with PbF2 . A five-anode gas ionization detector was used to avoid isobaric interference from 90 Zr. The 90 Sr/Sr atomic ratio background of ~6 × 10 –13 (~3 mBq 90 Sr) was comparable with that achieved at other AMS facilities. Good linearity in 90 Sr/Sr atomic ratios was obtained from 1.75 × 10 –10 to 3.38 × 10 –9 . Suitable techniques for sample preparation and measurement were thus achieved for 90 Sr analysis by AMS.