An attempt is made to elaborate a versatile radiotracer method for the study of sorption phenomena at various sorbents (metal layers, powdered metal samples, protective coatings) using isotopes emitting β and/or γ radiation. In the case of contamination caused by various silver isotopes (105Ag, 110mAg, 111Ag) illustrative examples are shown to demonstrate that adequately changing the radiation measuring technique in the same system there is a possibility of obtaining reliable data for both β and γ radiation (or X-rays).