ASTM D3972-09(2015)
Standard Test Method for Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry

Standard No.

ASTM D3972-09(2015)

Release Date

2009

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D3972-09(2015)

Scope

5.1 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.

1.1 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.

ASTM D3972-09(2015) Referenced Document

• ASTM C1163 Standard Test Method for Mounting Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry Using Neodymium Fluoride
• ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• ASTM D1066 Standard Practice for Sampling Steam
• ASTM D1129 Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D1192 Standard Guide for Equipment for Sampling Water and Steam in Closed Conduits
• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D2777 Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Methods of Committee D-19 on Water
• ASTM D3084 Standard Practice for Alpha-Particle Spectrometry of Water
• ASTM D3370 Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
• ASTM D3648 Standard Practices for the Measurement of Radioactivity
• ASTM D5847 Standard Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
• ASTM D7282 Standard Practice for Setup, Calibration, and Quality Control of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements

ASTM D3972-09(2015) history

• 2009 ASTM D3972-09(2015) Standard Test Method for Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry
• 2009 ASTM D3972-09 Standard Test Method for Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry
• 2002 ASTM D3972-02 Standard Test Method for Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry
• 1997 ASTM D3972-97 Standard Test Method for Isotopic Uranium in Water by Radiochemistry