METHODS FOR DETERMINING RADON-222 AND RADIUM-226
A simple, reliable, and reproducible field method for the determination of certain of the naturally occurring radioisotopes in water was developed. The procedures are applicable to the analysis of water supplies, particularly ground waters, during a relatively extensive field sampling program. The analytic procedure studied involved the deemanation of Rn/sup 222/ from solution and the collection of the gases in an Erlenmeyer flask coated with a powdered, silver- activated zinc sulfide screen, followed by alpha scintillation counting. Water samples were collected in specially designed glass bubblers. De-emanation was achieved by means of an evacuated Erlenmeyer flask connected to a bubbler. The vacuum was used to produce an upward flow of air through the bubbler, resulting in radon removal from the water and collection in the flask. The analysis was completed by alpha scintillation counting of the flask, with the use of a specially designed detection unit. Ra/sup 226/ was also determined with the use of a simple modification of the deemanation procedure. After de-emanation for radon analysis, the water sample was thoroughly purged of any remaining radon. The bubbler was then sealed for 8 to 12 days to allow the build-up of radon from the radium in the sample. A second radon analysis was performed on the sample, and the radium content was calculated with the use of the known state of partial equilibrium between the two radioelements. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Georgia Inst. of Tech., Atlanta
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-008715
- OSTI ID:
- 4103582
- Journal Information:
- Journal American Water Works Association (U.S.), Vol. Vol: 53; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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