NEMI Method Summary


Method Summary Information

Method Number:

CHEM-TP-H3.1

Media:

WATER

Revision:

April 1999

Method Source:

U.S. Department of Energy Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory

Analytes in this method

Subcategory:

RADIOCHEMICAL

Official Name:

DETERMINATION OF TRITIUM IN WATER, WASTEWATER, MILK, AND URINE BY LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING

Descriptive Name

Tritium in Water, Wastewater, Milk, and Urine by Liquid Scintillation Counting

Source Info:

U.S. Department of Energy Radiological and Environmental Services Laboratory
850 Energy Drive
MS4149
Idaho Falls, ID 83401

Citation:

RESL Technical Procedure

337157

Byte file

Brief Method
Summary:

Commercially available blend of solvent, scintillator, and nonionic surfactant is added to an aliquot of the sample or its distillate. The mixture is shaken thoroughly and the sample is counted in a liquid scintillation spectrometer system.

Scope And
Application:

This procedure determines tritium in many liquid samples by liquid scintillation counting.

Applicable
Conc Range:

None given.

Interferences:

(A) pH levels: Water and wastewater samples less than pH 5 must be neutralized and distilled; those that are colored, turbid, or contain high quantities of dissolved solids or high levels of activity other than tritium must be distilled.
(B) Milk and urine must be distilled. Only tritium present as HTO will be detected in milk and urine.

QC Requirements:

A blank and a calibration std must be analyzed with each set of samples. Blanks are acceptable if they contain only background quantities of natural radioactivity. Correct performance of the liquid scintillation counter must be verified by an Instrument Performance Analysis (IPA).

Sample Handling:

Safety glasses or face shield, lab coat, and appropriate chemical resistant gloves to protect skin and eyes should be worn.

Max Holding Time:

None given.

Relative Cost:

$51 to $200

4862

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Method Summary Information