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THE DETERMINATION OF STRONTIUM IN ROCKS AND BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS

Journal Article · · Analytica Chimica Acta (Netherlands)

Methods are described for the determination of strontium in a variety of materials by neutron activation and by stable isotope dilution. The samples for neutron activation an sis. together with strontium standards. are irradiated high- neutron flux for a few hours (Sr/sup 187m/ 2.7 hour half life) or for a week or more (Sr/sup 89/. 54 day half life). After dissolving in the presence of strontium carrier. samples and standards are subjected to radiochemical purification. The beta activity induced in the samples and standards is compared and.the quantity of strontium in the sample calculated by proportion. Somewhat less than one microgram of strontium can be determined. For stable isotope dilution analysis. the sample is mixed with a known quantity of Sr/sup 84/ tracer and,dissolved in a mixture of hydrofluoric and perchloric or nitric and perchloric acids. Strontium is then usually separated by cation-exchange chromatography. but for samples with large strontium concentrations. it is possible to obtain spectrometric analysis before making the mass results without a separation. The main source of systematic error is strontiuin contamination. but with simple precautions this may be restricted to 1 to 4% of the quantity of strontium determined and a correction applied. (auth)

Research Organization:
Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
NSA Number:
NSA-14-024094
OSTI ID:
4157407
Journal Information:
Analytica Chimica Acta (Netherlands), Journal Name: Analytica Chimica Acta (Netherlands) Vol. Vol: 23; ISSN ACACA
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English