1.1 This test method covers the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrochemical analysis of trace levels of uranium and thorium in soils. Any sample matrix that differs from the general ground soil composition used for calibration (that is, fertilizer or a sample of mostly rock) would have to be calibrated separately to determine the effect of the different matrix composition.
1.2 The analysis is performed after an initial drying and grinding of the sample, and the results are reported on a dry basis. The sample preparation technique used incorporates into the sample any rocks and organic material present in the soil. This test method of sample preparation differs from other techniques that involve tumbling and sieving the sample.
1.3 Linear calibration is performed over a concentration range from 20 to 1000 µg per gram for uranium and thorium.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM C1255-18 Referenced Document
ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
ASTM C998 Standard Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
ASTM D1452/D1452M Standard Practice for Soil Exploration and Sampling by Auger Borings
ASTM D1586 Standard Test Method for Penetration Test and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
ASTM D1587/D1587M Standard Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes*, 2024-04-21 Update
ASTM D2113 Standard Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Investigation
ASTM D3550/D3550M Standard Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
ASTM D420 Standard Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes
ASTM D4697 Standard Guide for Maintaining Test Methods in the User's Laboratory
ASTM E135 Standard Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
ASTM E305 Standard Practice for Establishing and Controlling Spectrochemical Analytical Curves
ASTM E456 Standard Terminology for Relating to Quality and Statistics
ASTM E876 Standard Practice for Use of Statistics in the Evaluation of Spectrometric Data (Withdrawn 2003)
ASTM E882 Standard Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory
ASTM C1255-18 history
2018ASTM C1255-18 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
2011ASTM C1255-11 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
1993ASTM C1255-93(2005) Standard Test Method for Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
1993ASTM C1255-93(1999) Standard Test Method for Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy