Isotopes of strontium

Isotopes of Strontium are variants of the chemical element strontium that have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, giving them different atomic masses. Strontium has the symbol Sr and atomic number 38. The naturally occurring strontium is composed of four stable isotopes: ^84Sr, ^86Sr, ^87Sr, and ^88Sr, with ^88Sr being the most abundant (82.58%). In addition to these stable forms, radioactive isotopes of strontium exist, ranging in mass number from 73 to 107. Among these, the most notable are ^89Sr and ^90Sr, which are products of nuclear fission and have applications in medicine and industry, as well as implications in environmental radioactivity.

Stable Isotopes

The stable isotopes of strontium play significant roles in various geological and biological processes. ^87Sr/^86Sr ratio analysis is a powerful tool in geochronology and isotope geochemistry, used for dating rocks and tracing the origin of geological materials. The differences in the natural abundance of strontium isotopes are also utilized in the study of migratory patterns in archaeology and forensic science.

Radioactive Isotopes

Among the radioactive isotopes, ^89Sr and ^90Sr are of particular interest due to their application and impact on human health. ^89Sr is used in the treatment of bone cancer because it mimics calcium and preferentially lodges in bone tissue, delivering beta radiation directly to the site of the tumor. ^90Sr, on the other hand, is a byproduct of nuclear fission found in nuclear fallout. It has a half-life of about 28.8 years and poses a significant health risk due to its bone-seeking properties, which can lead to bone cancer and leukemia.

Environmental and Health Concerns

The presence of ^90Sr in the environment is a concern due to its long half-life and its ability to enter the food chain, accumulating in bones. Monitoring and managing the levels of this isotope in the environment are crucial for public health, especially in areas affected by nuclear accidents, such as the Chernobyl disaster and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

Applications

Beyond medical treatment, strontium isotopes have applications in various fields. For example, ^87Sr/^86Sr ratios are used in paleoclimatology to reconstruct ancient climates and in hydrology to trace the sources and pathways of groundwater. Radioactive strontium isotopes are also used in industrial gauges that measure thickness and density, and in nuclear medicine for diagnostic purposes.

See Also

• Radioactivity
• Strontium
• Isotope geochemistry
• Nuclear medicine
• Environmental radioactivity