Standard Methods: 7110 B: Gross Alpha-Beta Evaporation Method

Summary
Analytes
Revisions
Data and Sites

Official Method Name

Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Radioactivity (Total, Suspended, and Dissolved) in Water by Evaporation and Anticoincidence-Circuitry Proportional Counter

Current Revision

Standard Methods Online

Media

WATER

Instrumentation

Alpha Gas Particle Counter

Method Subcategory

Radiochemical

Method Source

Standard Methods

Citation

Standard Methods Online - Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater

Brief Method Summary

A proportional counter is the recommended instrument for counting gross alpha and beta radioactivity because of its superior operating characteristics. Instrument is calibrated by adding standard nuclide portions to media comparable to the samples and preparing, mounting, and counting standards exactly as the samples.

Scope and Application

This method allows for determination of gross alpha-beta radiation present in water.

Applicable Concentration Range

None given.

Interferences

(1) Radiation lost by self-absorption. (2) Back-scatter.

Quality Control Requirements

See Section 1020 of Standard Methods for general QC requirements.

Sample Handling

For each 20 cm² of counting pan area, take a volume of sample containing not more that 200 mg residue for beta examination and not more than 100 mg residue for alpha examination.

Maximum Holding Time

Relative Cost

$51 to $200

Sample Preparation Methods

This method has 2 analytes associated with it.

Analyte	Detection Level	Bias	Precision	Pct False Positive	Pct False Negative	Spiking Level
Alpha radiation(12587-46-1) Alpha particles Alpha radiation Gross alpha Gross alpha particle activity Radioactivity, alpha Total alpha radioactivity	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total beta radioactivity(12587-47-2) Beta particle and photon radioactivity Beta radiation Gross beta Radioactivity, beta Total beta radioactivity	N/A	N/A	N/A

Precision Descriptor Notes:	For added gross alpha activity, random error was 20 and 24% at 95% confidence level for the two sets of paired samples. For add gross beta activity, random error of 12 and 18% at 95% confidence level for the two sets of paired samples.
Detection Level Note:

Revision	PDF/Link
Standard Methods Online
Standard Methods 20th Edition (1998)
Standard Methods 19th Edition (1995)
Standard Methods 18th Edition (1992)
Standard Methods 17th Edition (1989)
As Method 302 in Standard Methods 13th Edition (1971)
18th Edition (1992)
19th Edition (1995)
17th Edition (1989)

The Water Quality Portal contains sample results from sites that use this method.

Download WQP data

Select data:

Sites only
Sample results only

File format:

Comma-separated
Tab-separated
MS Excel 2007+

Sites where this method was used

Loading Sites ...

Standard Methods: 7110 B: Gross Alpha-Beta Evaporation Method

WHO WE ARE

LEGAL