Validation of 226Ra and 228Ra determination method from environmental samplesAim of the studyThe objective of the research is validating the radiochemical determination method for simultaneous determination of radium isotopes, 226Ra and 228Ra, from environmental samples. The method in use for 228Ra is based on gamma spectrometry and is suitable for high activity levels, over 10 mBq. A new method is needed for low-level measurements. For 226Ra, activity concentration calculated from gross alpha measurement is suitable mainly for drinking water samples, not for samples containing, e.g. iron. ImplementationBasing on the literature, suitable determination methods for simultaneous determination of 226Ra and 228Ra are clarified. The suitable method is first tested using tracers and the IAEA reference material. Also, the possibility to use gamma spectrometry in 226Ra determination is taken into account. In gamma spectrometry, the measurement container is vacuum-packed in an air-tight plastic bag in order to keep the 222Rn and its daughter nuclides in the measurement container. The activity concentration of 226Ra is determined via the 222Rn daughters after three-week storing. Validation is done after selecting a suitable method. Dissemination and exploitation of the resultsThe results are utilised in the measurement services offered especially for waterworks and in the research projects carried out at STUK. CollaboratorsNo other collaborators outside STUK. Timetable2010–2011 Responsible scientistsKaisa Vaaramaa Page updated 13/07/2010
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