ISO/FDIS 4721

ISO/TC 147/SC 3
Secretariat: AFNOR
Date: 2024-06-04
Water quality — Strontium 90 — Test method using ICP-MS
First edition
Date: 2024-04-27
Qualité de l’eau — Strontium 90 — Méthode d’essai par ICP-MS
FDIS stage
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iii
Contents
Foreword . vi
Introduction . vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Symbols . 2
5 Principle . 3
6 Sampling and sample storage . 5
7 Chemical reagents and equipment . 5
7.1 General . 5
7.2 Chemical reagents. 5
7.3 Apparatus . 6
8 Chemical separation . 6
9 Quality control . 7
9.1 General . 7
9.2 Variables that can influence the measurement . 7
9.3 Instrument verification . 7
9.4 Method verification . 8
10 Expression of results . 8
10.1 General . 8
10.2 Data analysis . 9
10.3 Background . 9
10.4 Mass bias evaluation . 9
10.5 Use of naturally occurring stable Sr as chemical yield tracer. 10
10.5.1 Internal standard . 10
10.5.2 Determination of stable strontium concentration . 10
10.5.3 Mass bias evaluation . 11
10.5.4 Sample mass concentration . 11
10.5.5 Limit of detection . 12
10.5.6 Limit of quantification. 12
10.6 Isotope dilution method using enriched isotope spike. 12
10.6.1 General . 12
10.6.2 Isotope spike solution . 12
10.6.3 Mass bias evaluation . 12
10.6.4 Sample mass concentration . 13
10.6.5 Limit of detection . 13
10.6.6 Limit of quantification. 13
10.7 Conversion of mass concentration to activity concentration . 14
10.8 Conversion from mass to volume units. 14
11 Test report . 14
Annex A (informative) Chemical separation of strontium by crown ether-based extraction
−1
chromatographic resin — Sample strontium solution in 4 mol·l HNO . 16
Annex B (informative) Chemical separation of strontium by strontium-specific extraction
−1
chromatographic resin — Sample strontium solution in 0,01 mol·l HNO . 18
iv
Annex C (informative) Chemical separation of strontium for large volume water sample by
cation exchange resin and strontium-specific extraction chromatographic resin . 20
Bibliography . 22

v
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147, Water quality, Subcommittee SC 3,
Radioactivity measurements.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
vi
Introduction
Radionuclides are present throughout the environment; thus, water bodies (e.g. surface waters, ground
waters, sea waters) contain radionuclides, which can be of either natural or anthropogenic origin :.
3 14 40
— — Naturally-occurring radionuclides, including H, C, K and those originating from the thorium and
210 210 222 226 228 227 232 231 234 238
uranium decay series, in particular Pb, Po, Rn, Ra, Ra, Ac, Th, Pa, U, and U, can be
found in water bodies due to either natural processes (e.g. desorption from the soil and runoff by rain
water) or released from technological processes involving naturally occurring radioactive materials (e.g.
mining, mineral processing, oil, gas, and coal production, water treatment, and the production and use of
phosphate fertilisers);).
55 59 63 90 99
— — Anthropogenic radionuclides, such as Fe, Ni, Ni, Sr, and Tc, transuranic elements (e.g. Np, Pu,
60 137
Am, and Cm),) and some gamma emitting radionuclides, such as Co and Cs, can also be found in natural
waters. Small quantities of anthropogenic radionuclides can be discharged from nuclear facilities to the
environment as a result of authorized routine releases. The radionuclides present in liquid effluents are
[1[1]]
usually controlled before being discharged tointo the environment and water bodies. Anthropogenic
radionuclides used for medical and industrial applications can be released to the environment after use.
Anthropogenic radionuclides are also found in waters due to contamination from fallout resulting from
above-ground nuclear detonations and accidents such as those that have occurred at the Chernobyl and
Fukushima nuclear facilities.
Radionuclide activity concentrations in water bodies can vary according to local geological characteristics and
climatic conditions and can be locally and temporally enhanced by releases from nuclear facilities during
[2],[3 [2][3]]
planned, existing, and emergency exposure situations . . Some drinking water sources can thus contain
radionuclides at activity concentrations that can present a human health risk. The World Health Organization
[4[4]]
(WHO) recommends to routinely monitor radioactivity in drinking waters and to take proper actions when
needed to minimize the health risk.
National regulations usually specify the activity concentration limits that are authorized in drinking waters,
water bodies, and liquid effluents to be discharged to the environment. These limits can vary for planned,
existing, and emergency exposure situations. As an example, during either a planned or existing situation, the
90 −1[4[4] ]
WHO guidance level for Sr in drinking water is 10 Bq·l , , see NOTES 1 and 2. Compliance with these
limits is assessed by measuring radioactivity in water samples and by comparing the results obtained, with
[5[5] ]
their associated uncertainties, as specified by ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 and ISO 5667-20 . .
NOTE 1 If the value is not specified in Annex 6 of Reference [4[4],], the value has been calculated using the formula
provided in Reference [4[4]] and the dose coefficient data from References [6[6]] and [7[7].].
NOTE 2 The guidance level calculated in Reference [4[4]] is the activity concentration that results in an effective dose
−1 −1
of 0,1 mSv·a to members of the public for an intake of 2 l·d of drinking water for one year. This is an effective dose
that represents a very low level of risk to human health and which is not expected to give rise to any detectable adverse
[4[4] ]
health effects . .
This document contains method(s) to support laboratories, which need to determine Sr in water samples.
The method(s) described in this document can be used for various types of waters (see Clause 1Clause 1).).
For radiometric methods, minor modifications such as sample volume- and counting
...