On the rapid determination of strontium-90 in milk and drinking water using ICP-MS/MS for emergency preparedness

In radiological emergencies, rapid 90Sr quantification is vital. This study developed a method for 90Sr determination in milk and drinking water, using Sr-specific resin separation followed by ICP-MS/MS detection in MS/MS mode to eliminate 90Zr isobaric interference. Validation demonstrated high recoveries (95–97%) and detection limits (18–22 Bq kg−1) compliant with European regulation Euratom 2016/52. Inter-laboratory comparisons confirmed the method reproducibility and robustness across diverse setups. Contamination control was identified as essential for method success. The method enables rapid 90Sr measurement in milk and water, supporting radiological emergency response.