Procedures for sampling radium-contaminated soils
Two procedures for sampling the surface layer (0 to 15 centimeters) of radium-contaminated soil are recommended for use in remedial action projects. Both procedures adhere to the philosophy that soil samples should have constant geometry and constant volume in order to ensure uniformity. In the first procedure, a ''cookie cutter'' fashioned from pipe or steel plate, is driven to the desired depth by means of a slide hammer, and the sample extracted as a core or plug. The second procedure requires use of a template to outline the sampling area, from which the sample is obtained using a trowel or spoon. Sampling to the desired depth must then be performed incrementally. Selection of one procedure over the other is governed primarily by soil conditions, the cookie cutter being effective in nongravelly soils, and the template procedure appropriate for use in both gravelly and nongravelly soils. In any event, a minimum sample volume of 1000 cubic centimeters is recommended. The step-by-step procedures are accompanied by a description of the minimum requirements for sample documentation. Transport of the soil samples from the field is then addressed in a discussion of the federal regulations for shipping radioactive materials. Interpretation of those regulations, particularly in light of their application to remedial action soil-sampling programs, is provided in the form of guidance and suggested procedures. Due to the complex nature of the regulations, however, there is no guarantee that our interpretations of them are complete or entirely accurate. Preparation of soil samples for radium-226 analysis by means of gamma-ray spectroscopy is described.
- Research Organization:
- Bendix Field Engineering Corp., Grand Junction, CO (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76GJ01664
- OSTI ID:
- 6008261
- Report Number(s):
- GJ/TMC-13; ON: DE86006185
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
REMEDIAL ACTION
SAMPLE PREPARATION
SOILS
SAMPLING
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
RADIOACTIVITY
RADIUM 226
ALKALINE EARTH ISOTOPES
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIUM ISOTOPES
SPECTROSCOPY
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
054000* - Nuclear Fuels- Health & Safety
400104 - Spectral Procedures- (-1987)
510301 - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- Soil- (-1987)