Because soil is an integrator and a reservoir of long-lived radionuclides, and serves as an intermediary in several pathways of potential exposure to humans, knowledge of the concentration of strontium-90 in soil is essential. A soil sampling and analysis program provides a direct means of determining the concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soil. A soil analysis program has the most significance for the preoperational monitoring program to establish baseline concentrations prior to the operation of a nuclear facility. Soil analysis, although useful in special cases involving unexpected releases, may not be able to assess small incremental releases.

1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of strontium-90 in soil at levels of detection dependent on count time, sample size, detector efficiency, background, and recovery.

1.2 This test method is designed for the analysis of ten grams of soil, previously collected and treated as described in Practices C 998 and C 999. This test method may not be able to completely dissolve all soil matrices. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

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.