Alpha particle radioactivity of water

The method covers the measurement of alpha particle activity of water. It is applicable to alpha emitters having energies above 3.9 MeV and at activity levels above 0.5 pCi/ml of radioactively homogeneous water. The method is not applicable to samples containing alpha-emitting radioelements that are volatile under conditions of the analysis. The method can be used for either absolute or relative determinations. In tracer work, the results may be expressed by comparison with a standard which is defined to be 100 percent. For radioassay, data may be expressed in terms of alpha disintegration rates after calibration with a suitable standard. The method includes a discussion of measurement variables, interferences, apparatus, reagents, sampling, establishing counter controls, control of instrument operation, calibration and standardization for general measurements, calibration and standardization for tracer experiments, procedure, calculations, and precision