Significance and Use

Because soil is an integrator and a reservoir of long-lived radionuclides, and serves as an intermediary in several pathways of potential exposure to humans, knowledge of the concentration of strontium-90 in soil is essential. A soil sampling and analysis program provides a direct means of determining the concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soil. A soil analysis program has the most significance for the preoperational monitoring program to establish baseline concentrations prior to the operation of a nuclear facility. Soil analysis, although useful in special cases involving unexpected releases, may not be able to assess small incremental releases.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of strontium-90 in soil at levels of detection dependent on count time, sample size, detector efficiency, background, and chemical yield.

1.2 This test method is designed for the analysis of ten grams of soil, previously collected and treated as described in Practices C998 and C999 . This test method may not be able to completely dissolve all soil matrices. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 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.

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

C998 Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides

C999 Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

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

Keywords

beta counting; extraction chromatography; soil analysis; strontium-90; strontium-90 determination; yttrium-90;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.080.05 (Examination of soil in general)

DOI: 10.1520/C1507-12

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM C1507