Establishment of rapid LSC method for direct alpha/beta measurements in waters

Development of rapid gross alpha/beta screening in waters has been presented. Modification of conventional ASTM method assumed direct mixing of samples with liquid scintillation cocktail, without any sample pretreatment. Optimization of method involved sample-to-cocktail ratio determination based on the achieved detection limit and quench level of sample as well as the optimal value of pulse shape analysis discriminator investigation. Results of calibration experiments and method's validity measurements are presented. Direct alpha/beta method provides deviations <40% from reference values, but offers advantages over conventional alpha/beta measurements, it is ultra fast, simple and inexpensive test for efficient screening of water samples. (author)