Gross alpha determination in drinking water using a highly specific resin and LSC

Appl Radiat Isot. 2004 Aug-Sep;61(2-3):339-44. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.03.005.

Abstract

Some results of experiments concerning a new highly specific resin for the extraction of alpha-emitting nuclides from drinking water samples are presented. The product used during these experiments is a new extraction chromatographic resin which consists of a combination of several reagents and extractants supported on inert polymeric substrates, called "Resin" hereafter. It shows strong affinity for Actinides in the tri-, tetra- and hexavalent oxidation state, as well as for radium, even in presence of large amounts of calcium. Gross-alpha activities were determined using alpha-/beta-discrimination liquid scintillation counting (alpha-/beta-LSC) by direct measurement of the dried resin after extraction. Counting conditions were optimised accordingly. A method for the determination of alpha-emitting nuclides in drinking water was developed and tested using intercomparison and spiked drinking water samples.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Alpha Particles*
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange / methods*
  • Ion Exchange Resins
  • Radioisotopes / analysis*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Scintillation Counting / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Water Supply / analysis*

Substances

  • Ion Exchange Resins
  • Radioisotopes
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive