Standard Test Method for Radiochemical Determination of Plutonium in Soil by Alpha Spectroscopy

1.1 This test method covers the determination of plutonium in soils at levels of detection dependent on count time, sample size, detector efficiency, background, and tracer yield. This test method describes one acceptable approach to the determination of plutonium in soil.

1.2 This test method is designed for 10 g of soil, previously collected and treated as described in Practices C998 and C999, but sample sizes up to 50 g may be analyzed by this test method. This test method may not be able to completely dissolve all forms of plutonium in the soil matrix.

1.3 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Sections 6 and 9.