Meaning and Purpose
The test method in this standard can be used to measure U in 99Tc, 230Th, and 234 soil samples. The test method is applicable to soils contaminated by nuclear-related activities such as uranium ore processing and uranium enrichment. The FI concentration step can reduce the detection limit by about 10 times compared to ICP-MS introduced for conventional samples. The approximate IDL is listed in Table 1.

Scope of
1.1 This test method includes measurement procedure 99Tc and measurement procedure 230 days and 234U in the soil. Applicable to background soils and soils contaminated by nuclear processes. It is intended as an alternative to radiochemical methods as it is faster, requires less labor, and produces less waste than many radiochemical methods.

1.2 The samples were dried, ground, melted and dissolved, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Sequential flow injection (FI) technology is used to provide a lower detection limit than that obtained by direct inhalation ICP-MS and, at 99Tc, to provide isolation from interference.

The 1.3230 day and 234U procedures also work for 232Th, 235U, and 238U, but FI preenrichment is generally not required to measure these isotopes at the concentrations typically found in soil.

ASTM D 1310-01-2007 “Flash Point and Ignition Point of Liquids Tested by Teger Cup Opener”

1.4 This test method is guided by SW-846 and the quality control procedures derived from the U.S. EPA Inorganic Analysis Program as reported in the Contract Laboratory Program Work Instructions. The level of quality control required may vary from laboratory to laboratory and project to project. Laboratory statistical quality control procedures are required to ensure the reliability of this test method.

1.5 becquerels (Bq) is an acceptable metric unit of radionuclide activity. However, picocuries (pCi) are generally the units used to represent regulatory limits for radioactivity. Values expressed in any of these units should be considered standard values. The values specified in each system may not be exactly equivalent; Thus, each system needs to be used independently of the other, rather than combining values in any way.

1.6 Refer to Practice C 998 for information on soil sample collection.

1.7 This standard is not intended to address all safety issues, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of users of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory restrictions prior to use.