Scalable Dialysis-Based Method for the Isolation of Strontium from Milk for Radioanalysis

Abstract

An ashless dialysis-based method for the convenient and timely removal of strontium from milk for radioanalysis has been described for samples ranging from 100 to 500 mL following a brief (30 min) treatment with formaldehyde solution. Overall strontium recovery is suitably high and remarkably consistent across all sample sizes (81–84%), with the final isolation of strontium from milk comfortably achieved within 32 h. For strontium carrier quantification and quality assurance purposes, two chromatographic high-pressure ion chromatography methods were developed to fully resolve strontium from the cationic mineral constituents of milk, as well as yttrium, while method validation was performed with a certified reference material (IAEA-152 milk powder) containing strontium-90. This methodology is highly amenable to concurrent multisample processing which, considering its scalability, makes it well-suited to environmental surveillance of radiostrontium in milk for both routine and emergency response applications.

Comprehensive Analysis of Contaminants in Powdered Milk Samples Using an HPGe for γ Radiation

“…Elements like those in the decay series of 235 U, 226 Ra, 232 Th, and nonseries 40 K are prevalent in our environment and dietary intake. While dry milk serves as a valuable nutritional source, ensuring its purity from harmful contaminants or radionuclides is paramount . These elements constitute a significant portion of background radiation and may pose potential health risks when present at elevated concentrations.…”

“…While dry milk serves as a valuable nutritional source, ensuring its purity from harmful contaminants or radionuclides is paramount. 22 These elements constitute a significant portion of background radiation and may pose potential health risks when present at elevated concentrations. Ingestion of contaminated dry milk could result in radiation poisoning, manifesting symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to severe organ failure.…”

Role of Analytical and Organic Chemistry Supporting the Challenges in Food Preservation and Safety

“…During the past year, food safety has sparked a great deal of interest in checking for contaminants in foods or the presence of toxic substances from nonconventional food sources. A dialysis-based ashless process was developed for radioanalysis detection of strontium in milk samples . This method allowed the processing of multiple samples with high recovery (81–84%) in response to possible nuclear accidents.…”