This test method is intended for the measurement of gross alpha- and beta-activity concentrations in the analyses of environmental and drinking waters.

This test method is also applicable to the direct analysis of gross alpha- and beta-activity concentrations in water when low detection limits are not required. Direct analysis provides a rapid method for determination of gross alpha- and beta-activity concentrations when low detection limits are not required.

This test method is not capable of discriminating among alpha emitting radionuclides or among beta emitting radionuclides. Those intending to identify and quantify specific radionuclides should use test methods specific to the radionuclides of interest.

This test method may not be cited as a method for the determination of gross alpha- or beta-activity concentrations in a solid/soil matrix or the acid digestate of the same. The use of this test method for such applications brings the potential for serious bias and incomparability of results dependent on the manner of sample preparation or treatment, or both.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of gross alpha- and beta- activity concentrations in a homogeneous water sample. It is applicable to alpha emitters with activity concentration levels above 0.037 Bq/L (1 pCi/L) and beta emitters with activity concentration levels above 0.15 Bq/L (4 pCi/L). This test method is not applicable to samples containing radionuclides that are volatile under conditions of the analysis.

1.2 This test method may also be used for the direct measurement of gross alpha- and beta- activity concentrations in homogeneous water samples with alpha emitter activity concentration levels above 1.8 Bq/L (50 pCi/L) and beta emitter activity concentration levels above 3.7 Bq/L (100 pCi/L).

1.3 This test method was tested using a single-operator test. Round-robin testing is currently in progress on this test method.

1.4 Standard methods under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 may be published for a limited time preliminary to the completion of full collaborative study validation. Such standards are deemed to have met all other D19 qualifying requirements but have not completed the required validation studies to fully characterize the performance of the Test Method across multiple laboratories and matrices. Preliminary publication is done to make current technology accessible to users of standards, and to solicit additional input from the user community.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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.