Rapid ⁹⁰Sr quantification method based on the Bateman equation for routine laboratory work

Artificially introduced into the environment ⁹⁰Sr is highly radiotoxic, so its content levels in foodstuff and biota require constant monitoring for radiological protection. Most analytical procedures used for ⁹⁰Sr determination are time-consuming, and therefore, a faster approach is needed. Employing the Bateman equation enables more efficient exploitation of the secular equilibrium between ⁹⁰Sr and its daughter radionuclide ⁹⁰Y in the calculations. This article describes a method for computing the ⁹⁰Sr activity concentration, while accounting for ⁹⁰Y activity. The developed approach was tested and validated in terms of its applicability in everyday analysis.