The most prevalent of the five radium isotopes in ground water, having a half life greater than one day, are ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ra. These two isotopes also present the greatest health risk compared to the other naturally occurring nuclides of equal concentrations if ingested via the water pathway.

Although primarily utilized on a water medium, this technique may be applicable for the measurement of the ²²⁶Ra content of any media once the medium has been completely decomposed and put into an aqueous solution.

The general methodology and basis of this technique are similar to the methodology “²²⁶Ra in Drinking Water (Radon Emanation Technique)” as described in the document EPA-600//4-80-032.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of soluble, suspended, and total radium-226 in water in concentrations above 3.7 × 10⁻³ Bq/L. This test method is not applicable to the measurement of other radium isotopes.

1.2 This test method may be used for quantitative measurements by calibrating with a radium-226 standard, or for relative measurements by comparing the measurements made with each other.

1.3 This test method does not meet the current requirements of Practice D2777.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is very hazardous and should be used in a well-ventilated hood. Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and a laboratory coat. Avoid breathing any HF fumes. Clean up all spills promptly and wash thoroughly after using HF.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the other 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

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent 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

D3648 Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity

D3649 Practice for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometry of Water

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 Ground Water Sampling for Environmental Site Characterization

D7282 Practice for Set-up, Calibration, and Quality Control of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements

Keywords

coprecipitation; emanation; radioactivity; ²²⁶Ra; ²²²Rn; water: Radioactive water analysis; Radium content--water;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.060.50 (Examination of water for chemical substances)

Citing ASTM Standards

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