1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of gross alpha- and beta- activity concentrations in a homogeneous water sample. It is applicable to alpha emitters with activity concentration levels above 0.037 Bq/L (1 pCi/L) and beta emitters with activity concentration levels above 0.15 Bq/L (4 pCi/L). This test method is not applicable to samples containing radionuclides that are volatile under conditions of the analysis.

1.2 This test method may also be used for the direct measurement of gross alpha- and beta- activity concentrations in homogeneous water samples with alpha emitter activity concentration levels above 1.8 Bq/L (50 pCi/L) and beta emitter activity concentration levels above 3.7 Bq/L (100 pCi/L).

1.3 This test method was tested using a single-operator test. Round-robin testing is currently in progress on this test method.

1.4 Standard methods under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 may be published for a limited time preliminary to the completion of full collaborative study validation. Such standards are deemed to have met all other D19 qualifying requirements but have not completed the required validation studies to fully characterize the performance of the Test Method across multiple laboratories and matrices. Preliminary publication is done to make current technology accessible to users of standards, and to solicit additional input from the user community.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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.

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

D1125 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D1890 Test Method for Beta Particle Radioactivity of Water

D1943 Test Method for Alpha Particle Radioactivity of Water

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

D3648 Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity

D3856 Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories Engaged in Analysis of Water

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

gross alpha radioactivity; gross beta radioactivity; gross radioactivity measurement; liquid scintillation counter; water;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 17.240 (Radiation measurements)

DOI: 10.1520/D7283-06

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