Automated separation and measurement of 226Ra and trace metals in freshwater, seawater and fracking water by online ion exchange chromatography coupled with ICP-MS

•Automated separation of 226Ra from complex matrices containing up to 20% TDS.•Preconcentration of 226Ra from a sample volume of 10 mL.•Accurate online measurement of 226Ra and other metals by ICP-MS.•Analysis time of 28.5 min/sample, rapid turn-around-time and low detection limit.•System is useful in emergency situations requiring rapid response.•Suitable for monitoring large numbers of samples from aquatic environments.