[Development of a Rapid Determination Method for Strontium-90 in Foods Using a Strontium Extraction Column for Use during Emergency Events].

To ensure food safety during emergency events such as nuclear disasters, we developed a practical rapid determination method for strontium-90 (Sr-90) in foods. Purification of Sr from foods was simplified using a commercial Sr-extraction column. We also reduced the waiting time to achieve radiative equilibrium between Sr-90 and Y-90. Finally, we developed a rapid determination method for Sr-90 that can be completed in about a week. Using the new method, stable Sr recoveries exceeded 85%. The trueness of the method ranged from 109 to 115% and the detection limit of Sr-90 was estimated to be 0.07 Bq/kg fresh weight according to a performance evaluation using standard materials. Sr-90 radioactivity concentrations in food samples determined by the new method were highly correlated and nearly equal to concentrations determined by the conventional method. The present study suggests that the new method offers highly sensitive and rapid detection of Sr-90 which are necessary attributes for food tests during emergency events.