DOE RESL: CHEM-TP-GA/B.2: Gross Alpha and Beta in Water and Waste Water
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Official Method Name
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Gross Alpha and Gross Beta in Water and Wastewater |
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Current Revision
| April 1999 |
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Media
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WATER |
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Instrumentation
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Gross Alpha and Beta Counters |
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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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Gross alpha and beta measurements are mainly used for screening purposes. Gross measurements are a shorter and cheaper method than determination of specific nuclides. Depending upon the purpose for analyzes, gross alpha or gross beta may suffice. Specific analyses may be requested if the alpha activity is greater than 5 pCi/L and/or the gross beta activity is greater than 8 pCi/L. Samples are evaporated with excess nitric acid and transferred to tarred stainless steel plates or serrated planchets. |
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Scope and Application
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This procedure determines gross alpha and beta counts in water and wastewater samples containing unknown quantities of dissolved solids. This procedure is not applicable to samples prepared for counting outside RESL. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Alpha activity less than 5 pCi/L and gross beta activity less than 8 pCi/L. |
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Interferences
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None given. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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QC procedures based on internal laboratory requirements for radiochemical analysis. |
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Sample Handling
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Nitrate salts can be hygroscopic so it is necessary to store the prepared plates in a desiccator prior to counting to minimize the effect on counting efficiency. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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None given. |
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Relative Cost
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$51 to $200 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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