ASTM D2460-07(2013)
Standard Test Method for Alpha-Particle-Emitting Isotopes of Radium in Water
- Standard No.
- ASTM D2460-07(2013)
- Release Date
- 2007
- Published By
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Latest
- ASTM D2460-07(2013)
- Scope
5.1 Radium is one of the most radiotoxic elements. Its isotope of mass 226 is the most hazardous because of its long half-life. The isotopes 223 and 224, although not as hazardous, are of some concern in appraising the quality of water.
5.2 The alpha-particle-emitting isotopes of radium other than that of mass 226 may be determined by difference if radium-226 is measured separately, such as by Test Method D3454. Note that one finds 226Ra and 223Ra together in variable proportions (5, 6), but 224Ra does not normally occur with them. Thus, 223Ra often may be determined by simply subtracting the 226Ra content from the total: and if 226Ra and8201;223Ra are low, 224Ra may be determined directly. The determination of a single isotope in a mixture is less precise than if it occurred alone.
1.1 This test method covers the separation of dissolved radium from water for the purpose of measuring its radioactivity. Although all radium isotopes are separated, the test method is limited to alpha-particle-emitting isotopes by choice of radiation detector. The most important of these radioisotopes are 223Ra, 224Ra, and 226Ra. The lower limit of concentration to which this test method is applicable is 3.7 × 10-2 Bq/L (18201;pCi/L).
1.2 This test method may be used for absolute measurements by calibrating with a suitable alpha-emitting radioisotope such as 226 Ra, or for relative methods by comparing measurements with each other. Mixtures of radium isotopes may be reported as equivalent 226Ra. Information is also provided from which the relative contributions of radium isotopes may be calculated.
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. For a specific precautionary statement, see Section 9.
ASTM D2460-07(2013) Referenced Document
- ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
- ASTM D1129 Standard Terminology Relating to Water
- ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
- ASTM D1943 Standard Test Method for Alpha Particle Radioactivity of Water
- ASTM D2777 Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Methods of Committee D-19 on Water
- ASTM D3370 Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
- ASTM D3454 Standard Test Method for Radium-226 in Water
- ASTM D3648 Standard Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity
- ASTM D4448 Standard Guide for Sampling Ground-Water Monitoring Wells
- ASTM D5847 Standard Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
- ASTM D6001 Standard Guide for Direct-Push Water Sampling for Geoenvironmental Investigations
ASTM D2460-07(2013) history
- 2007 ASTM D2460-07(2013) Standard Test Method for Alpha-Particle-Emitting Isotopes of Radium in Water
- 2007 ASTM D2460-07 Standard Test Method for Alpha-Particle-Emitting Isotopes of Radium in Water
- 2005 ASTM D2460-05 Standard Test Method for Alpha-Particle-Emitting Isotopes of Radium in Water
- 1997 ASTM D2460-97 Standard Test Method for Alpha-Particle-Emitting Isotopes of Radium in Water
