1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the separation of dissolved radium from water for the purpose of measuring its radioactivity. While all radium isotopes are included, the test method is limited to alpha-emitting radioisotopes by choice of radiation detector. The most important of these isotopes are radium-223, radium-224, and radium-226. The lower limit of concentration to which this test method is applicable is 1 pCi/L; it may be applied to higher concentration by reduction of sample size.

1.2 This test method may be used for absolute measurements by calibrating with a suitable alpha emitting radioisotope such as radium-226, or for relative methods by comparing measurements with each other. Mixtures of radium isotopes may be reported as equivalent radium-226. Information is also provided from which the relative contributions of radium isotopes may be calculated.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.> For a specific precautionary statement, see Section 9.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D1943 Test Method for Alpha Particle Radioactivity of Water

D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

D3454 Test Method for Radium-226 in Water

D3648 Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity

D4448 Guide for Sampling Ground-Water Monitoring Wells

D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis

D6001 Guide for Direct-Push Groundwater Sampling for Environmental Site Characterization

Keywords

alpha particles; radioactivity; radium isotopes; water;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.060.50 (Examination of water for chemical substances); 13.060.60 (Examination of water for physical properties)

DOI: 10.1520/D2460-97

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.