EN ISO 18589-2:2017

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2017
Merjenje radioaktivnosti v okolju - Tla - 2. del: Navodilo za izbiro strategije
vzorčenja, vzorčenje in pripravo vzorcev (ISO 18589-2:2015)
Measurement of radioactivity in the environment - Soil - Part 2: Guidance for the
selection of the sampling strategy, sampling and pre-treatment of samples (ISO 18589-
2:2015)
Ermittlung der Radioaktivität in der Umwelt - Erdboden - Teil 2: Leitlinie für die Auswahl
der Probenahmestrategie, Probenahme und Vorbehandlung der Proben (ISO 18589-
2:2015)
Mesurage de la radioactivité dans l'environnement - Sol - Partie 2: Lignes directrices
pour la sélection de la stratégie d'échantillonnage, l'échantillonnage et le prétraitement
des échantillons(ISO 18589-2:2015)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 18589-2:2017
ICS:
13.080.99 Drugi standardi v zvezi s Other standards related to
kakovostjo tal soil quality
17.240 Merjenje sevanja Radiation measurements
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 18589-2
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
October 2017
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 17.240; 13.080.01
English Version
Measurement of radioactivity in the environment - Soil -
Part 2: Guidance for the selection of the sampling strategy,
sampling and pre-treatment of samples (ISO 18589-
2:2015)
Mesurage de la radioactivité dans l'environnement - Ermittlung der Radioaktivität in der Umwelt -
Sol - Partie 2: Lignes directrices pour la sélection de la Erdboden - Teil 2: Leitlinie für die Auswahl der
stratégie d'échantillonnage, l'échantillonnage et le Probenahmestrategie, Probenahme und
prétraitement des échantillons (ISO 18589-2:2015) Vorbehandlung der Proben (ISO 18589-2:2015)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 September 2017.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2017 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 18589-2:2017 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
The text of ISO 18589-2:2015 has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 85 “Nuclear energy,
nuclear technologies, and radiological protection” of the International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) and has been taken over as EN ISO 18589-2:2017 by Technical Committee CEN/TC 430 “Nuclear
energy, nuclear technologies, and radiological protection” the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2018, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2018.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 18589-2:2015 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 18589-2:2017 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 18589-2
Second edition
2015-02-01
Measurement of radioactivity in the
environment — Soil —
Part 2:
Guidance for the selection of the
sampling strategy, sampling and pre-
treatment of samples
Mesurage de la radioactivité dans l’environnement — Sol —
Partie 2: Lignes directrices pour la sélection de la stratégie
d’échantillonnage, l’échantillonnage et le prétraitement des échantillons
Reference number
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
©
ISO 2015
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
© ISO 2015
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms, definitions, and symbols . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Sampling strategy . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.2 Initial investigation . 3
5.3 Types of sampling strategies. 4
5.4 Selection of the sampling strategy . 4
6 Sampling plan . 5
6.1 General . 5
6.2 Selection of sampling areas, units, and points . 5
6.2.1 General. 5
6.2.2 Sampling for use with a probabilistic strategy . 6
6.2.3 Sampling for use with an orientated strategy . 6
6.2.4 Selection criteria of sampling areas and sampling units . 6
6.3 Identification of sampling areas, units, and points . 7
6.4 Selection of field equipment . 7
7 Sampling process . 8
7.1 General . 8
7.2 Collection of samples . 8
7.2.1 Selection of sampling depth versus objectives of the study . 8
7.2.2 Sampling surface soil .11
7.2.3 Sampling soil profile .11
7.3 Preparation of the sorted sample .13
7.4 Identification and packaging of samples .13
7.4.1 General.13
7.4.2 Sample identification .13
7.4.3 Sample sheet.13
7.5 Transport and storage of samples .14
8 Pre-treatment of samples.15
8.1 Principle .15
8.2 Laboratory equipment .15
8.3 Procedure .15
9 Determination of the activity deposited onto the soil .16
9.1 General .16
9.2 Determination using surface activity data .16
9.3 Determination by integration of soil profile activity data .17
10 Recorded information .17
Annex A (informative) Diagram of the selection of the sampling strategy according to the
objectives and the radiological characterization of the site and sampling areas .18
Annex B (informative) Diagram of the evolution of the sample characteristics from the
sampling site to the laboratory .19
Annex C (informative) Example of sampling plan for a site divided in three sampling areas
(A, B, C) .20
Annex D (informative) Example of a sampling record for a single/composite sample .21
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
Annex E (informative) Example for a sample record for a soil profile with soil description .22
Bibliography .24
iv © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any
patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on
the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers
to Trade (TBT), see the following URL: Foreword — Supplementary information.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, nuclear technologies, and
radiological protection, Subcommittee SC 2, Radiological protection.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 18589-2:2007), which has been
technically revised.
ISO 18589 consists of the following parts, under the general title Measurement of radioactivity in the
environment — Soil:
— Part 1: General guidelines and definitions
— Part 2: Guidance for the selection of the sampling strategy, sampling and pre-treatment of samples
— Part 3: Test method for gamma-emitting radionuclides using gamma ray spectrometry
— Part 4: Measurement of plutonium isotopes (plutonium 238 and plutonium 239+240) by alpha spectrometry
— Part 5: Measurement of strontium 90
— Part 6: Measurement of gross alpha and gross beta activities
— Part 7: In situ measurement of gamma-emitting radionuclides
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
Introduction
This International Standard is published in several parts to be used jointly or separately according to
needs. ISO 18589-1 to ISO 18589-6 concerning the measurements of radioactivity in the soil, have been
prepared simultaneously. These parts are complementary and are addressed to those responsible for
determining the radioactivity present in soils. The first two parts are general in nature. ISO 18589-3
to ISO 18589-5 deal with radionuclide-specific measurements and ISO 18589-6 deals with non-specific
measurements of gross alpha or gross beta activities. ISO 18589-7 deals with the measurement of
gamma emitters radionuclides using in situ spectrometry.
Additional parts can be added to ISO 18589 in the future if the standardization of the measurement of
other radionuclides becomes necessary.
vi © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
Measurement of radioactivity in the environment — Soil —
Part 2:
Guidance for the selection of the sampling strategy,
sampling and pre-treatment of samples
1 Scope
This part of ISO 18589 specifies the general requirements, based on ISO 11074 and ISO/IEC 17025, for
all steps in the planning (desk study and area reconnaissance) of the sampling and the preparation of
samples for testing. It includes the selection of the sampling strategy, the outline of the sampling plan,
the presentation of general sampling methods and equipment, as well as the methodology of the pre-
treatment of samples adapted to the measurements of the activity of radionuclides in soil.
This part of ISO 18589 is addressed to the people responsible for determining the radioactivity present
in soil for the purpose of radiation protection. It is applicable to soil from gardens, farmland, urban, or
industrial sites, as well as soil not affected by human activities.
This part of ISO 18589 is applicable to all laboratories regardless of the number of personnel or the range of
the testing performed. When a laboratory does not undertake one or more of the activities covered by this
part of ISO 18589, such as planning, sampling, or testing, the corresponding requirements do not apply.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 31-9, Quantities and units — Part 9: Atomic and nuclear physics
ISO 11074, Soil quality — Vocabulary
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
ISO 18589-1, Measurement of radioactivity in the environment — Soil — Part 1: General guidelines and definitions
3 Terms, definitions, and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions, and symbols given in ISO 31-9, ISO 18589-1,
ISO 11074, and the following apply.
e thickness of the layer sampled
m wet mass of the sorted sample
ss
m′ wet mass of a subsample of the sorted sample
ss
m dry mass of the test sample
ts
a activity per unit of mass of the test sample
A activity per unit area
S
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
S surface area sampled
4 Principle
The purpose of the measurement of soil radioactivity is to monitor the environmental impact of
[1] [2],[3],[4],[5]
radioactive substances and/or to assess the radiological impact on the population.
The main objectives of the measurement of radionuclides in soil (see ISO 18589-1) are the following:
— characterization of radioactivity in the environment;
— routine surveillance of the impact of radioactivity released from nuclear installations or of the
general evolution of the radioactivity in a region;
— investigations of accidents and incidents;
— planning and surveillance of remedial action;
— decommissioning of installations or the disposal of materials.
Consequently, measurements of soil radioactivity are performed in a variety of situations, but a generic
approach can be described, with the following steps as outlined in this part of ISO 18589:
a) Planning process — Selection of the sampling strategy
The selection of the sampling strategy depends on the main objectives and on the results of the
initial investigation of the area. The sampling strategy shall lead to the knowledge of the nature,
activity concentrations, spatial distribution, as well as temporal evolution of the radionuclides,
taking into account changes caused by migration, atmospheric conditions, and land/soil use.
An initial investigation of the area shall be carried out to determine the sampling strategy.
[6] [7]
ISO 10381-1 gives general guidance on the selection of the sampling strategy; ISO 10381-4
gives specific guidance for the investigation of natural, near-natural, and cultivated areas; and
[8]
ISO 10381-5 deals with the investigation of soil contamination at urban and industrial sites.
Details are given in Clause 5 and a scheme for the selection of the sampling strategy is given in Annex A.
b) Planning process — Sampling plan
The sampling plan shall be developed according to the sampling strategy selected. It shall specify the
selection of sampling areas and units, the sampling pattern, the sampling points, the types of samples,
the sampling procedures and equipment, as well as the safety requirements for the personnel.
Details, such as the selection of sampling areas and the sampling units that result from the type
of grid applied to these areas, are given in Clause 6. Definitions of the types of sample are given in
ISO 18589-1. The relationship between sample types is given in Annex B.
c) Sampling process — Collection of samples
The collection of any soil samples in the field shall conform to the established sampling plan.
— For sampling of the top layer, a single sample or n increments of a defined thickness are taken
from each of the selected sampling units.
— For vertical sampling of several soil layers, samples are taken at increasing depth vertically
below the surface sampling point. A single sample or n increments are collected from the various
soil layers with different thicknesses according to the sampling depth. Special care should be
exercised in order not to mix samples from different soil layers.
Details are given in Clauses 6 and 7.
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ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
d) Sampling process — Preparation of the sorted sample
The preparation of sorted samples is carried out by the reduction of single or composite samples. A
sorted sample should be representative of the average value of one or more given soil characteristics.
The identification, labelling, packaging, and transport procedures of sorted samples to the laboratory
shall guarantee the preservation of their characteristics.
Details are given in 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5.
e) Laboratory process — Handling of the laboratory sample
After arrival at the laboratory, the sorted samples are considered as laboratory samples for storage
and further pre-treatment before their analysis.
Details are given in Clause 8.
f) Laboratory process — Preparation of the test sample
Before any testing, the laboratory samples are pre-treated by drying, crushing, sieving, and
homogenizing to produce test samples in the form of a fine, homogeneous powder. Pre-treatment
shall guarantee that the physical and chemical characteristics of the test sample are constant
over time, thus rendering the results easier to interpret. Representative subsamples with masses
determined by the specifications of the different radioactivity measurements shall be isolated from
the test sample as test portions.
Details are given in Clause 8.
If some material is stored for future investigations or for the purpose of settling a potential dispute,
subsamples shall be taken from the laboratory sample or the test sample in an acceptable and
documented manner.
5 Sampling strategy
5.1 General
During the planning process, the sampling strategy for the site under investigation is determined
according to the objectives described in Clause 4 item a), resulting in the definition of a sampling plan.
[1],[2],[4],[9],[11],[12]
5.2 Initial investigation
Whatever the objective of the work being carried out, certain preliminaries shall be undertaken during
the initial investigation phase to help define the sampling strategy, such as the following:
— analysis of historical and administrative data, company archives, previous studies, and interviews
with former employees, which help identify potential sources of radioactive contamination;
— collection of information on geological, hydrological, and pedological characteristics and on the
main climatic parameters, in order to characterize the spatial and temporal development of the
characteristics of the radioactivity of an area;
— survey of the site under investigation to identify its topography, the nature of the vegetation cover,
and any peculiarities that can affect the techniques and the sampling plan;
— for farmland, collection of information from the farmers on the nature and depth of works (sub-
soiling or drainage, ploughing and harrowing ditches, etc.) and on chemical fertilizers and additives
that can lead to excessive natural radioactivity (nature and quantity of products applied).
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
When data on radioactive soil contamination are not available or in case of suspicion of contamination,
in situ analytical investigation using portable detectors or some preliminary sampling and subsequent
laboratory analysis can be necessary in order to select the sampling areas and strategy.
5.3 Types of sampling strategies
Sampling strategies are either orientated or probabilistic depending upon the objectives and the initial
knowledge of radioactivity distribution over the area under investigation.
Orientated strategies are based on a priori constraints that lead to a selection of sampling units in a
specific area under special scrutiny because of particular interest or level of contamination.
Probabilistic strategies are based on a selection of sampling units without any a priori constraints.
The selection of sampling units and points is described in 6.2.
5.4 Selection of the sampling strategy
The approach or sampling strategy shall be selected depending on the objective pursued and the relevant
end points, for example the protection of humans and the environment, taking into account social
and economic constraints. The sampling strategy selected should ensure that the radioactivity of the
samples is representative of the distribution of radionuclides in the soil of the area under investigation.
[1],[2],[4],[6],[9]
Although the strategy can only be defined on a case-by-case basis, the selection of the sampling strategy
should follow these stages:
— analysis of the records, which enables an historic study of the sampling site, in particular of its
previous use (identification of the source);
— evaluation of preferential migration pathways and/or accumulation areas;
— site reconnaissance with respect to the boundaries of the sampling areas and sampling undertaken;
— site reconnaissance: a rapid analytical investigation using portable radioactivity detectors can be
used to characterize the distribution of the radioactivity of the areas to be studied.
This step in the planning process determines a large number of choices and can generate important
and costly activities. It also includes the definition of the objectives of the data quality according to the
parameters to be analysed.
Annex A gives a flow diagram that helps in the selection of a sampling strategy according to the objectives
of the investigation.
The choice of the strategy determines the sampling density, the temporal and spatial distribution of the
units from which samples are collected and the timing of the sampling, taking into account the following:
— potential distribution of radionuclide: homogeneous or heterogeneous (“hot” spots);
— characteristics of the environment;
— minimum mass of soil necessary to carry out all the laboratory tests; and
— maximum number of tests that can be performed by the laboratory for the study.
In many cases, a prediction of the possible presence of soil contamination and its distribution
(homogeneous or heterogeneous) can be drawn up. It is then necessary to verify these hypotheses
by an orientated sampling strategy. One variant of this strategy, which is systematic with selected
representative sampling points, is adapted for the routine monitoring of sites whose radioactive origins
and distribution patterns are known. This allows a more accurate definition of the number and location
of the sampling points than a purely probabilistic sampling strategy. This subjective selection of the
sampling points can be combined with a statistical approach to meet the quality requirements for the
4 © ISO 2015 – All rights reserved

ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
interpretation. When the spatial radioactivity distribution is unknown, it is necessary to adopt an
orientated spatially random strategy.
Probabilistic strategies with random sampling (random distribution of sampling points) are suitable
only if the distribution of the radioactivity on the site is considered homogeneous. For a site with
occasional heterogeneities (point sources), the implementation of a systematic sampling strategy that
is dependent upon the degree of knowledge of the distribution of these heterogeneities in the different
sampling areas is recommended.
When the objective of the investigation is the characterization of a recent deposit on the soil surface,
such as in the case of fallout following a routine, authorized gaseous release, or an accident, the collection
of the top layer is recommended.
When the objective is the study of a polluted site, where it is necessary to know the vertical migration of
radionuclides with depth (in order to predict the potential contamination of the groundwater), samples
from layers at various depths shall be collected. Layers can be defined either with the same thickness or
as representative of the different soil horizons.
The sampling strategy leads to a set of technical options that are detailed in Clause 6.
6 Sampling plan
6.1 General
The sampling plan is a precise procedure that, depending on the application of the principles of the
strategy adopted, defines all actions to be realized in the field. The plan also defines the human
resources needed for the sampling operation. The plan is directly linked to the purposes of the study,
the characteristics of the environment of the site, the capacity of the laboratory testing facilities, and
the objectives for the data quality requisite for the interpretation of the results of the measurements.
The sampling plan shall be set up on a case-by-case basis. The plan shall contain all information needed
to perform the sampling, i.e. sampling areas, sampling units, location of sampling points in the sampling
units, types of samples, single or composite, number of increments for composite samples, periodicity,
required mass of a sample considering the planned tests, requirement for archiving the material, vertical
distribution, etc.
6.2 Selection of sampling areas, units, and points
6.2.1 General
After deciding on the sampling strategy, sampling areas and units are defined based on the results of the
initial investigation. In some cases, the boundaries of sampling areas and the location of sampling units
for routine surveillance/monitoring can be fixed by legal requirements, for example as in the operation
of a new nuclear installation. They are defined as a result of the reference radiological study performed
for the project. For accident investigations, the size of the sampling area and location of the sampling
units can also be determined by the environmental conditions (wind strength and direction, topography,
etc.) at the time of accident, as well as the variation of the source characteristics (radionuclides, activity,
release duration, etc.).
For a probabilistic strategy, the sampling units can be selected either by systematic or random approaches
whereas it cannot be done by a random approach for an orientated strategy.
For both strategies, the sampling points can be selected either by a systematic or a random approach.
On the same site, depending on the heterogeneity of the radioactivity distribution, a combination of
these strategies can be applied to the different sampling areas.
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
6.2.2 Sampling for use with a probabilistic strategy
For a probabilistic strategy, the sampling areas, following their identification, are covered with a grid
that defines the sampling units. The size of the grid mesh should take into account the surface area of the
site and is also governed by the analytical capacity of the laboratory and the financial constraints that
restrict the number of samples that can be analysed. The surface area of the grid units can range from a
few square metres to several square kilometres depending on the site under investigation.
If a radioactivity map is available as a result of a preliminary in situ radiological inspection (see
[24]
ISO 18589-7 ), the grid mesh imposed on the sampling area can correspond to the grid adopted for the
radioactive cartography. The radioactivity map can be denser where contaminated areas are suspected,
or less dense in the presumed absence of contamination.
For systematic sampling, a sampling point is selected in each knot or centre of the sampling unit. The final
number of sampling units that are eventually sampled depends on the heterogeneity of the environmental
characteristics and on the access restrictions imposed by the topographical complexity of the area.
For random sampling, the sampling units are referenced and a number chosen at random.
When the purpose of the study is to investigate the impact on the environment of the contribution of a
specific source of radioactivity, it shall be compared to the background activity level. The latter can be
determined in an area assumed to be uncontaminated by the source under investigation (for example, not
influenced by any effluent discharges from the plant under study) and is considered as the reference area.
6.2.3 Sampling for use with an orientated strategy
For an orientated sampling strategy, the sampling area is defined by the constraints imposed by the
objectives of the investigation on the basis of the environmental data and the cartography results.
The sampling plan is based on a subjective selection of sampling units as a result of prior knowledge of
the area and/or initial in situ radioactivity investigations.
When the objective is to collect the samples with the highest activity level and there are no radioactivity
data available, a preliminary radiological investigation with a portable detector allows the creation of a
map of the site that highlights the contaminated area(s) and helps to define the sampling plan with the
[24]
precise location of the sampling unit (see ISO 18589-7 ).
NOTE One of the aspects of this initial investigation is also to assess the risks of exposure of workers in
charge of the sampling operation and, therefore, to define radiation protection measures, in particular, those to
be implemented on-site relating to the protection of personnel against radiation.
In routine surveillance of a nuclear installation, the sampling unit can be chosen as the point of maximum
concentration of the predicted fallout of gaseous discharges from the plant.
When the radioactivity of the soil and other components of the environment (air, water, bio-indicators,
elements of the human food chain) is investigated simultaneously, then the selection of the sampling
unit should take into account the presence of the other indicators.
6.2.4 Selection criteria of sampling areas and sampling units
Using the data of past environmental studies and visual reconnaissance of the site, sampling areas with
homogeneous topological configuration and vegetation cover are identified. This requires the separation
of elevated zones from sloping zones, herbaceous areas from bushy ones, forested areas from cultivated
and ploughed areas, etc.
If possible, sampling units with a soil layer that has not been disturbed by human activity, and with a well-
kept herbaceous cover, should be selected. The surface of the sampling unit shall be at least several square
metres. Any disturbance shall be noted, indicating the scale, nature, and origin on the sample sheet.
The radioactive surveillance of disturbed soils may be carried out in addition to radioactivity investigation
of plants in the field. For agricultural land, the upper layer with a thickness equal to the ploughed depth
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ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
may be considered as homogeneous, if contamination occurred before the zone had been ploughed. In
the case of industrial or built-up land, material used for ground fill may be investigated, taking into
account its intrinsic heterogeneity and the way it was deposited.
For routine surveillance, the sampling units that are regularly sampled over time have to be kept clear
of trees and bushes.
When a description of the soil profile is called for by the sampling strategy, then the layer thickness shall
[13],[14],[15],[16]
be determined by pedological characteristics or by the expected rate of vertical migration
of the radionuclides. Details of the sampling method for the collection of samples with depth are given in
7.2.3 and an example of a sampling plan is given in Annex C.
For farmland, border effects, in particular, can be avoided by remaining at least 20 m inside the perimeter
of the plot, unless otherwise specified in the objectives of the study.
6.3 Identification of sampling areas, units, and points
Sampling areas and units shall be identified by the following parameters:
— administrative district, name of the town, site, or commonly accepted name of location;
— name or reference of the sampling area and units;
— geographic coordinates established using a topographic map or a global positioning system.
The use of an official topographic map issued by a national body is recommended, with a sufficiently
detailed scale of detail, for the delineation of area(s) limits and, if required, the limits and identification
of the sampling units.
The sampling points are described by their geographical coordinates using a topographic map or a
global positioning system.
6.4 Selection of field equipment
[23]
Equipment should be chosen in accordance with ISO 10381-2 . Particular attention shall be paid to the
quality of the sampling equipment and, in particular, that the equipment used should not alter, i.e. allow
the pollution or loss of, the radionuclides to be determined.
Depending on the sampling plan that defines the sampling depth and the nature of the soil required, the
equipment used can be chosen from the following list:
a) material for setting the boundaries: posts, tapes, etc.;
b) for surface or near-surface samples: shovel, coring tool such as metallic frame, gouge auger, gimlet,
straight probe, spade (equipment shall be cleaned between sampling);
c) for samples up to a depth of 2 m: auger or construction machinery, such as
— mechanical digger with bucket to dig a trench from which samples are taken (attention shall be
paid to weak walls in crumbly or disturbed soils);
— mechanical or hydraulic thrust sampling tube;
d) for samples at depths greater than 2 m: a core driller equipped with drilling tubes made of material
that does not react with the soil;
e) equipment common to all samples:
— stainless steel spatula or knife;
— container(s) with a capacity of at least 10 l;
ISO 18589-2:2015(E)
— clean, dry canvas sheets that do not react with soil, measuring approximately 2 m ;
— wide-necked bags, or bottles, or plastics boxes with a capacity of at least 2 l, which are moisture-
resistant, waterproof, dustproof, and do not react with the soil;
— sample identification equipment: labels, markers, etc.;
During the investigation of volatile radionuclides, it is necessary to take particular precautions to
avoid loss of volatiles during the collection and storage of samples.
f) specific equipment used to determine surface activity:
— balances with a maximum range and sufficient accuracy;
— measuring tape or gauge of sufficient length to measure the dimensions of the increments.
7 Sampling process
7.1 General
The sampling process is defined in the sampling plan and depends on the objectives of the study. The
collection of samples and preparation of sorted samples are independent of the sampling strategy
(probabilistic or orientated) selected. The objectives of the study are described in 7.2.1 for a given
sampling unit for sampling at the upper layers down to 20 cm and at deeper layers for the different
appli
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