This test method was developed to measure the radioactivity of uranium isotopes in environmental waters or waters released to the environment, and to determine whether the uranium-isotope concentrations are below the maximum amounts allowable by any regulatory statute.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of alpha-particle-emitting isotopes of uranium in water by means of chemical separations and alpha pulse-height analysis (also known as alpha-particle spectrometry). Uranium is chemically separated from a water sample by coprecipitation with ferrous hydroxide, anion exchange, and electrodeposition. The test method applies to soluble uranium as well as to any uranium that might be present in suspended matter in the water sample. This test method is applicable for uranium processing effluents as well as substitute ocean water. When suspended matter is present, an acid dissolution step is added to assure that all of the uranium dissolves. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.

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 warning statements 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

D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1192 Guide for Equipment for Sampling Water and Steam in Closed Conduits

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

D3648 Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity

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

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

Keywords

alpha-particle spectrometry; isotopes; radioactivity; radiochemistry; uranium; water; Alpha pulse-height analysis; Cylinders; Radioactive water analysis; Uranium content--water;

ICS Code

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

Citing ASTM Standards

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