This test method was developed to measure plutonium in environmental waters or waters released to the environment and to determine whether or not the plutonium concentration exceeds the maximum amount allowable by regulatory statutes.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of alpha-particle-emitting isotopes of plutonium concentrations over 0.01 Bq/L (0.3 pCi/L) in water by means of chemical separations and alpha pulse-height analysis (alpha-particle spectrometry). Due to overlapping alpha-particle energies, this method cannot distinguish ²³⁹Pu from ²⁴⁰Pu. Plutonium is chemically separated from a 1-L water sample by coprecipitation with ferric hydroxide, anion exchange and electrodeposition. The test method applies to soluble plutonium and to suspended particulate matter containing plutonium. In the latter situation, an acid dissolution step is required to assure that all of the plutonium dissolves.

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

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. Specific hazards are given in 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

C1163 Practice for Mounting Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry Using Neodymium Fluoride

C1284 Practice for Electrodeposition of the Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry

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

D3084 Practice for Alpha-Particle Spectrometry of Water

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

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

Keywords

alpha spectrometry; ion exchange chromotography; plutonium; water; Alpha pulse-height analysis; Plutonium; Radioactive water analysis;

ICS Code

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

Citing ASTM Standards

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