Preparation of reference soil sample with high radioactivity for Cs-137 analysis

Reference soil sample containing high level of Cs-137 has been prepared within a cooperation project with IAEA. Soil sample was collected from the Syrian coast mountains (Al-Kadmouse, 1000 m above sea level) and characterized according to international standards for characterization of proficiency test samples in order to use for proficiency testing of radiochemical radio nuclides in soil samples. The sample was dried at 105co for 48 hr, after removing stones and plants. The sample was ground and sieved using stainless steel sieve at 90μm. the sample was then ached at 450c^o to remove all organic contents. The sample was homogenized using 3-D homogenizer and then filled in 360 bottles (250 g each). Homogeneity tests within and between bottles have been performed by analysis the Cs-137 and K-40 content using gamma spectrometry. The prepared sample can be used for proficiency test program in radioactivity measurement laboratory or as control sample in concerned labs (author).