ABSTRACT
A new Certified Reference Material (CRM) for radionuclides in sediment (IAEA-385) is described and the results of the certification process are presented. Eleven radionuclides ((40)K, (137)Cs, (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (230)Th, (232)Th, (234)U, (238)U, (238)Pu, (239+240)Pu and (241)Am) have been certified and information mass activities with 95% confidence intervals are given for seven other radionuclides ((90)Sr, (210)Pb((210)Po), (235)U, (239)Pu, (240)Pu and (241)Pu). Results for less frequently reported radionuclides ((60)Co, (99)Tc, (134)Cs, (155)Eu, (224)Ra and (239)Np) and information on some activity and mass ratios are also reported. The CRM can be used for quality assurance/quality control of the analysis of radionuclides in sediment samples, for the development and validation of analytical methods and for training purposes.
Subject(s)
Geologic Sediments/analysis , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Radiation Monitoring/standards , Radioisotopes/analysis , Radioisotopes/standards , Ireland , Oceans and Seas , Radiation Dosage , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
This article deals with the radioanalytical work performed at Pelindaba, Atomic Energy Corporation of South Africa. It reports on the activities of a commercial laboratory, employing analytical techniques, such as total alpha/beta counting, alpha spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting, gamma spectrometry, and neutron activation analysis. Techniques discussed in more detail include semicyclic activation analysis for the determination of fluorine in vitamin mixes, as well as the determination of uranium and radium in urine samples for personnel monitoring.