DOE: RP710: Gross Alpha and Beta Activity
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Official Method Name
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Determination of Gross Alpha and Beta Activity by Laboratory Method |
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Current Revision
| 1997 |
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Media
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WATER |
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Instrumentation
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Alpha Gas Particle Counter |
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Method Subcategory
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Radiochemical |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Brief Method Summary
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A sample is leached with acids, and organic matter is oxidized, if necessary. An aliquot of the sample or leachate is then evaporated to dryness on a stainless steel planchet and counted for alpha and/or beta radioactivity on a low-background gas-flow proportional counter. Calculated activities depend on sample mass and are based on calibration of specific isotopic standards. |
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Scope and Application
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This method rapidly screens a variety of matrices for both high and low activities of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in waters, air filters, soils, sludges, wastewaters, and solvents. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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None given. |
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Interferences
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(1) High hygroscopic salt content. (2) Self-absorption / scattering with large mass, high density solid samples. (3) Volatile radioisotopes of C, 3H, Tc, Po, Cs, adsorbed Rn may be lost when samples are heated. (4) Crosstalk correction may not adequately protect from misidentification of low-energy alpha / high-energy beta energies. (5) Misinterpretation of high levels of gamma radiation by gas-flow proportional counters. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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EPA SW-846 Method 9310: (1) QC data maintained and made available (2) one method blank per batch (3) one duplicate for every 10 samples. Periodic MS, blank spikes and/or PE. |
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Sample Handling
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Acidify the aqueous samples with HNO3 so the pH is less than 2. No preservation is necessary for soil, sludge, air filter, or organic samples before analysis. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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Relative Cost
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$51 to $200 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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