ASTM C1507-20

Standard Test Method for Radiochemical Determination of Strontium-90 in Soil

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Because soil is an integrator and a reservoir of long-lived radionuclides, and serves as an intermediary in several pathways of potential exposure to humans, knowledge of the concentration of 90Sr in soil is essential. A soil sampling and analysis program provides a direct means of determining the concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soil. A soil analysis program has the most significance for the preoperational monitoring program to establish baseline concentrations prior to the operation of a nuclear facility. Soil analysis, although useful in special cases involving unexpected releases, may not be able to assess small incremental releases.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of 90Sr in soil at levels of detection dependent on count time, sample size, detector efficiency, background, and chemical yield.  
1.2 This test method is designed for the analysis of 10 g of soil, previously collected and treated as described in Practices C998 and C999. This test method may not be able to completely dissolve all soil matrices.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2020
• ICS: 13.080.05 - Examination of soils in general
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C859-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C998-17 - Standard Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C999-17 - Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C859-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM C859-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C859-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C859-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C859-10b - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM C998-05(2010)e1 - Standard Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C999-05(2010)e1 - Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM C859-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D7282-06 - Standard Practice for Set-up, Calibration, and Quality Control of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2006

Overview

ASTM C1507-20 – Standard Test Method for Radiochemical Determination of Strontium-90 in Soil specifies a reliable procedure for measuring strontium-90 (Sr-90), a significant long-lived radionuclide, in soil samples. Since soil can retain and integrate radionuclides, monitoring Sr-90 levels is critical for assessing environmental contamination, especially around nuclear facilities. This standard supports soil sampling and analysis programs, which play a fundamental role in establishing baseline data, regulatory compliance, and responding to potential radiological incidents.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Significance

  • Soil serves as an important medium for tracing radionuclides, including Sr-90, that could pose risks through environmental exposure.
  • Measurement of Sr-90 in soil helps determine both baseline and post-incident contamination, aiding pre-operational monitoring and ongoing safety programs near nuclear operations.

• Scope and Applicability

  • The test method is applicable to 10 g soil samples, with sensitivity depending on factors like count time, detector efficiency, and sample chemistry.
  • Designed for samples collected and prepared according to ASTM standards C998 and C999. Some soil types may not be completely dissolved by the method.

• Test Methodology

  • Sr-90 is extracted from soil using a mixture of nitric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids.
  • Separation is achieved via extraction chromatography, followed by beta counting for quantification.
  • The method emphasizes proper calibration, standardization, and control of interferences from elements like calcium and barium.

• Safety Considerations

  • The method involves the use of strong acids, including hydrofluoric acid, requiring strict laboratory safety and environmental protocols.

• Precision and Bias

  • The standard presents detailed procedures for estimating method precision and bias, referencing comparative studies with reference laboratories and quality assurance programs.

Applications

• Environmental Monitoring

  • Establishes baseline radiological data for soil prior to operation of nuclear or radiological facilities.
  • Supports long-term surveillance of soil in areas of past nuclear activity or potential contamination.

• Regulatory Compliance

  • Facilitates compliance with environmental and public health regulations by providing a scientifically robust method for Sr-90 analysis.

• Incident Response

  • Useful for rapid assessment of soil contamination in the case of accidental or unplanned releases of radioactive materials.

• Research and Quality Assurance

  • Valuable for laboratories conducting nuclear forensic and environmental research.
  • Enables participation in quality assurance programs and interlaboratory comparisons.

Related Standards

• ASTM C998 – Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
• ASTM C999 – Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
• ASTM C859 – Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• ASTM D1193 – Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D7282 – Practice for Set-up, Calibration, and Quality Control of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements

Summary

ASTM C1507-20 delivers a standardized, validated approach for the radiochemical determination of strontium-90 in soil, crucial for environmental protection and radiological assessment. By implementing this procedure, laboratories and regulatory agencies ensure reliable data critical for human and ecological health. The method’s relevance extends to baseline studies, ongoing monitoring, and emergency response, making it a central tool in soil radioactivity testing programs. For comprehensive radionuclide soil analysis, use ASTM C1507-20 along with referenced standards to ensure complete, accurate, and compliant results.

Keywords: Strontium-90, soil analysis, radiochemical determination, environmental monitoring, extraction chromatography, beta counting, ASTM C1507-20, nuclear facility monitoring, radioactive contamination, regulatory compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1507 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Radiochemical Determination of Strontium-90 in Soil
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1507; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of 3.1 Definitions:
Sr in soil at levels of detection dependent on count time,
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
sample size, detector efficiency, background, and chemical
Terminology C859.
yield.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 This test method is designed for the analysis of 10 g of
soil, previously collected and treated as described in Practices
4.1 Strontium is extracted from soil with a mixture of nitric,
C998 and C999. This test method may not be able to
hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids in the presence of stron-
completely dissolve all soil matrices.
tium carrier. Strontium is isolated by extraction chromatogra-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
phy and evaporated on a planchet for recovery determination
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
and subsequent beta counting. This test method describes one
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
of the possible approaches to determine Sr in soil. The
chemical yield is typically 95 % with a detection limit of about
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
0.004 Bq/g for a ten gram sample.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Because soil is an integrator and a reservoir of long-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
lived radionuclides, and serves as an intermediary in several
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
pathways of potential exposure to humans, knowledge of the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
concentration of Sr in soil is essential. A soil sampling and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
analysis program provides a direct means of determining the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soil. A soil
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
analysis program has the most significance for the preopera-
tional monitoring program to establish baseline concentrations
2. Referenced Documents
prior to the operation of a nuclear facility. Soil analysis,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
although useful in special cases involving unexpected releases,
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
may not be able to assess small incremental releases.
C998 Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
C999 Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determi-
6. Interferences
nation of Radionuclides
6.1 Thepresenceofstrontium-89inthesamplemaybiasthe
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
reported Sr results using this method.
D7282 Practice for Set-up, Calibration, and Quality Control
of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements
6.2 Large concentrations of strontium, calcium, barium, or
lead in the soil sample could interfere with the extraction
chromatographic separation by loading the column with these
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
elements. Subsection 12.1 discusses procedures for accounting
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
Test. for the stable strontium.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published February 2021. Originally
6.3 The final strontium form is a nitrate salt and it is
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C1507 – 12. DOI:
10.1520/C1507-20.
hygroscopic.Caremustbetakenwhendeterminingthemassof
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
the final precipitate to avoid mass fluctuations and changes in
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
physical form or self-absorption due to water absorption from
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. the atmosphere.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1507 − 20
7. Apparatus 8.9 0.05 M Nitric Acid—Add 3.10 mL concentrated nitric
acid to water and dilute to one liter.
7.1 Beta Particle Counter—A shielded low-background
proportional detector with appropriate electronics and compu- 8.10 Extraction Chromatographic Column—A2 mLextrac-
tational capabilities to control operations. The efficiency of the tion chromatographic column (including funnel reservoir)
system should be greater than 35 % for Sr with a background containing 4,4ˊ(5ˊ)-di-t-butylcyclohexano 18-crown-6 (crown
of less than a few counts per minute. Practice D7282 may ether) in 1-octanol on an inert chromatographic support.
contain other useful information on the set-up, calibration, and
9. Standardization and Calibration
usage of such instrumentation. The measurement of Sr and
Y can also be conducted by liquid scintillation spectrometry
9.1 Standardization of Strontium Carrier—The standardiza-
provided equivalency is demonstrated.
tion of the strontium carrier should be conducted in triplicate.
Standardization of the strontium carrier and yield calculations
7.2 Counting Dishes—Typically, 50 mm diameter, 6 mm
may also be performed by plasma spectrometry analysis
deep, stainless steel counting dishes, although other sizes may
provided equivalency is demonstrated.
be used that are compatible with the measurement instrumen-
9.1.1 Clean and weigh the counting dish.
tation.
9.1.2 Pipette 1.000 mLof strontium carrier solution into the
7.3 Heat Lamp.
counting dish.
7.4 Muffle Furnace.
9.1.3 Place the counting dish in a fume hood under a heat
lamp until the sample is at constant weight.
7.5 Cotton Cellulose Filter Paper or Equivalent.
9.1.4 Cool the sample counting dish and counting dish/
7.6 Borosilicate Glass Erlenmeyers Flasks and Beakers.
residue and reweigh.
7.7 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Beakers.
9.1.5 Average the three net residue weights and record the
average as the amount of the strontium nitrate in the carrier.
7.8 Stir/Hot Plate.
9.2 Calibration of Beta Counting System for Sr—This
7.9 PTFE Coated Magnetic Stir Bars.
calibration should be carried out in triplicate for each volume
8. Reagents
of carrier pipetted.
9.2.1 Pipette0.500,1.000,1.500,and2.000mLofstrontium
8.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
carrier into separate small beakers and label. If the samples are
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
expected to contain significant amounts of stable strontium,
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Commit-
largervolumesofstrontiumcarriershouldbeusedprovidedthe
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
resin volume is adjusted accordingly.
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
9.2.2 To each beaker, add a known amount (approximately
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
2 Bq) of a Sr standard solution traceable to a national
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
standards body.
accuracy of the determination.
9.2.3 Evaporate the solution to near dryness and redissolve
8.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
it in 5 mL of the 8 M nitric acid.
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined
9.2.4 Transfer the solution to a previously prepared and
in Specification D1193, Type III.
conditioned 2 mL strontium extraction chromatographic col-
8.3 Strontium Carrier—Dissolve 10.00 g of Sr(NO ) in umn which has been conditioned with 5 mLof 8 M nitric acid.
3 2
0.1M HNO and dilute to one liter with 0.1M HNO [10 mg
9.2.5 Rinse the beaker with 3 mLof 8 M nitric acid and add
3 3
Sr(NO ) per mL]. If insoluble material is observed, filter the to the column after the feed has passed through.
3 2
carrier solution through 0.1-0.45 µm filter media.
9.2.6 Wash the column with three 3 mL portions of 8 M
nitric acid, draining after each addition. Discard the column
8.4 29 M Hydrofluoric Acid (48 %)—Concentrated hydro-
effluent and washes, which contains the Y.
fluoric acid.
90 90
9.2.7 Recordtheendofthethirdrinseas Sr/ Yseparation
8.5 12 M Hydrochloric Acid (sp gr 1.19)—Concentrated
time.
hydrochloric acid.
9.2.8 Elute the strontium with 10 mL of 0.05 M nitric acid
and collect in a 25 mL properly labeled clean beaker.
8.6 16 M Nitric Acid (sp gr 1.42)—Concentrated nitric acid.
9.2.9 Evaporate the strontium eluate, by using a heat lamp
8.7 8 M NitricAcid—Mix one volume of concentrated nitric
or other suitable heat source, on to a previously cleaned and
acid with one volume of water.
weighed counting dish by adding small portions (3 mL) to the
8.8 0.1 M Nitric Acid—Add 6.25 mL concentrated nitric
dish and allowing each portion to evaporate to near dryness
acid to water and dilute to one liter.
between additions.
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not The sole source of supply of the Sr Resin prepackaged columns known to the
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory committee at this time is Eichrom Technologies, LLC., Lisle, IL. If you are aware
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
MD. responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
C1507 − 20
9.2.10 Evaporate all the solution under a heat lamp, or other 12.3 Cool, add 75 mL concentrated nitric acid and then
suitable heat source, cool, and weigh to constant weight. 25 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid.
9.2.11 Calculate the residue weight and determine the
12.4 Cover the Erlenmeyer flask and heat on a hot plate in
chemical recovery.
the fume hood for several hours with stirring using PTFE-
9.2.12 Count each standard for 100-min intervals overnight.
coated magnetic stirring bars.
Typically, this would result in ten separate measurements.
12.5 Cool and dilute with an equal volume of water.
9.2.13 Collect the 100-min count data as a function of time
since separation. Use a computer program to plot the recovery
12.6 Transfer the sample to a 250 mLcentrifuge bottle with
corrected net count rate and estimate the extrapolation to
water and centrifuge.
separation time. Alternatively, determine the mean counting
12.7 Decant the supernate through cotton cellulose fluted
efficiency from each of the counts, correct for Y ingrowth.
filter paper and save the filtrate.
9.2.14 Plot the counting efficiency of the Sr as a function
of sample weight to obtain a counting efficiency curve. Fit the
12.8 Transfer the residue remaining in the centrifuge bottle
mass attenuated counting efficiency to a linear expression and
with a mixture of 75 mL concentrated nitric acid and 25 mL
use this expression for each sample to determine the counting
concentrated hydrochloric acid to the original Erlenmeyer flask
efficiency.
and repeat 12.4 and 12.5.
12.9 Filter the solution through filter paper used in 12.7 and
10. Precautions
combine the filtrate, without centrifugation, with the original
10.1 Strong acids are used during this analysis. Safety
supernate from 12.7.
glasses and gloves must be worn when handling these solu-
12.10 Place the filter in a 400 mL beaker, dry the filter in a
tions. Extreme care should be exercised in using hydrofluoric
acid and other hot concentrated acids. low temperature oven and ash overnight at 500º C in a 400 mL
beaker.
10.2 Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic acid
that can severely burn skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
12.11 Cool and transfer
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1507 − 12 C1507 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Radiochemical Determination of Strontium-90 in Soil
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1507; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of strontium-90Sr in soil at levels of detection dependent on count time,
sample size, detector efficiency, background, and chemical yield.
1.2 This test method is designed for the analysis of ten grams 10 g of soil, previously collected and treated as described in Practices
C998 and C999. This test method may not be able to completely dissolve all soil matrices. The values stated in SI units are to be
regarded as the standard.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for
information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
C998 Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
C999 Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D7282 Practice for Set-up, Calibration, and Quality Control of Instruments Used for Radioactivity Measurements
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology C859.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology C859.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of Test.
Current edition approved June 1, 2012Dec. 1, 2020. Published June 2012February 2021. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20072012 as
C1507 – 07C1507 – 12.E01. DOI: 10.1520/C1507-12.10.1520/C1507-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1507 − 20
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Strontium is extracted from soil with a mixture of nitric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids in the presence of strontium
carrier. Strontium is isolated by extraction chromatography and evaporated on a planchet for recovery determination and
subsequent beta counting. This test method describes one of the possible approaches to determine strontium-90Sr in soil. The
chemical yield is typically 95 % with a detection limit of about 0.004 Bq/g for a ten gram sample.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Because soil is an integrator and a reservoir of long-lived radionuclides, and serves as an intermediary in several pathways
of potential exposure to humans, knowledge of the concentration of strontium-90Sr in soil is essential. A soil sampling and
analysis program provides a direct means of determining the concentration and distribution of radionuclides in soil. A soil analysis
program has the most significance for the preoperational monitoring program to establish baseline concentrations prior to the
operation of a nuclear facility. Soil analysis, although useful in special cases involving unexpected releases, may not be able to
assess small incremental releases.
6. Interferences
6.1 The presence of strontium-89 in the sample may bias the reported strontium-90Sr results using this method.
6.2 Large concentrations of strontium, calcium, barium, or lead in the soil sample could interfere with the extraction
chromatographic separation by loading the column with these elements. SectionSubsection 12.1 discusses procedures for
accounting for the stable strontium.
6.3 The final strontium form is a nitrate salt and it is hygroscopic. Care must be taken when determining the mass of the final
precipitate to avoid mass fluctuations and changes in physical form or self-absorption due to water absorption from the atmosphere.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Beta Particle Counter—A shielded low-background proportional detector with appropriate electronics and computational
capabilities to control operations. The efficiency of the system should be greater than 35 percent 35 % for strontium-90Sr with
a background of less than a few counts per minute. Practice D7282 may contain other useful information on the set-up, calibration,
90 90
and usage of such instrumentation. The measurement of strontium-90Sr and yttrium-90Y can also be conducted by liquid
scintillation spectrometry provided equivalency is demonstrated.
7.2 Counting Dishes—Typically, 50 mm diameter, 6 mm deep, stainless steel counting dishes, although other sizes may be used
that are compatible with the measurement instrumentation.
7.3 Heat Lamp.
7.4 Muffle Furnace.
7.5 Whatman #2Cotton Cellulose Filter Paper or equivalent.Equivalent.
7.6 Borosilicate Glass Erlenmeyers Flasks and Beakers.
7.7 PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Beakers.
7.8 Stir/Hot Plate.
7.9 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) PTFE Coated Magnetic Stir Bars.
8. Reagents
8.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all
C1507 − 20
reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high
purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
8.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined in
Specification D1193, Type III.
8.3 Strontium Carrier—Dissolve 10.00 gramsg of Sr(NO ) in 0.1M HNO and dilute to one liter with 0.1M HNO [10 mg
3 2 3 3
Sr(NO ) per mL]. If insoluble material is observed, filter the carrier solution through 0.1-0.45 μm filter media.
3 2
8.4 29 M Hydrofluoric Acid (48 %)—Concentrated hydrofluoric acid.
8.5 12 M Hydrochloric Acid (sp gr 1.19)—Concentrated hydrochloric acid.
8.6 16 M Nitric Acid (sp gr 1.42)—Concentrated nitric acid.
8.7 8 M Nitric Acid—Mix one volume of concentrated nitric acid with one volume of water.
8.8 0.1 M Nitric Acid—Add 6.25 mL concentrated nitric acid to water and dilute to one liter.
8.9 0.05 M Nitric Acid—Add 3.10 mL concentrated nitric acid to water and dilute to one liter.
8.10 Extraction Chromatographic Column—A 2 mL extraction chromatographic column (including funnel reservoir) containing
4.4(5)-di-t-butylcyclohexane 18–crown-64,4ˊ(5ˊ)-di-t-butylcyclohexano 18-crown-6 (crown Ether)ether) in 1–octanol1-octanol on
an inert chromatographic support.
9. Standardization and Calibration
9.1 Standardization of Strontium Carrier—The standardization of the strontium carrier should be conducted in triplicate.
Standardization of the strontium carrier and yield calculations may also be performed by plasma spectrometry analysis provided
equivalency is demonstrated.
9.1.1 Clean and weigh the counting dish.
9.1.2 Pipette 1.000 mL of strontium carrier solution into the counting dish.
9.1.3 Place the counting dish in a fume hood under a heat lamp until the sample is at constant weight.
9.1.4 Cool the sample counting dish and counting dish/residue and reweigh.
9.1.5 Average the three net residue weights and record the average as the amount of the strontium nitrate in the carrier.
9.2 Calibration of Beta Counting System for Strontium-90—Sr—This calibration should be carried out in triplicate for each
volume of carrier pipetted.
9.2.1 Pipette 0.500, 1.000, 1.5001.500, and 2.000 mL of strontium carrier into separate small beakers and label. If the samples are
expected to contain significant amounts of stable strontium, larger volumes of strontium carrier should be used provided the resin
volume is adjusted accordingly.
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not listed by
the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia and National
Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville, MD.
The sole source of supply of the Sr Resin prepackaged columns from known to the committee at this time is Eichrom Technologies, LLC., Lisle, IL, have been found
to be satisfactory for this purpose. The Eichrom Technologies Sr Resin is covered by a patent. Interested parties are invited to submit information regarding the identification
of an alternative to this patented item IL. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International headquarters.Headquarters. Your
comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
C1507 − 20
9.2.2 To each beaker, add a known amount (approximately 2 Bq) of a strontium-90Sr standard solution traceable to a national
standards body.
9.2.3 Evaporate the solution to near dryness and redissolve it in 5 mL of the 8 8 M nitric acid.
9.2.4 Transfer the solution to a previously prepared and conditioned 2 mL strontium extraction chromatographic column which
has been conditioned with 5 mL of 8 M nitric acid.
9.2.5 Rinse the beaker with 3 mL of 8 M nitric acid and add to the column after the feed has passed through.
9.2.6 Wash the column with three 3 mL portions of 8 8 M nitric acid, draining after each addition. Discard the column effluent
and washes, which contains the yttrium-90.Y.
90 90
9.2.7 Record the end of the third rinse as strontium-90/yttrium-90Sr/ Y separation time.
9.2.8 Elute the strontium with 10 mL of 0.05 M nitric acid and collect in a 25 mL properly labeled clean beaker.
9.2.9 Evaporate the strontium eluate, by using a heat lamp or other suitable heat source, on to a previously cleaned and weighed
counting dish by adding small portions (3 mL) to the dish and allowing each portion to evaporate to near dryness between
additions.
9.2.10 Evaporate all the solution under a heat lamp, or other suitable heat source, cool, and weigh to constant weight.
9.2.11 Calculate the residue weight and determine the chemical recovery.
9.2.12 Count each standard for 100 minute 100-min intervals overnight. Typically, this would result in ten separate measurements.
9.2.13 Collect the 100 minute 100-min count data as a function of time since separation. Use a computer program to plot the
recovery corrected net count rate and estimate the extrapolation to separation time. Alternatively, determine the mean counting
efficiency from each of the counts, correct for yttrium-90Y ingrowth.
9.2.14 Plot the counting efficiency of the strontium-90Sr as a function of sample weight to obtain a counting efficiency curve.
Fit the mass attenuated counting efficiency to a linear expression and use this expression for each sample to determine the counting
efficiency.
10. Precautions
10.1 Strong acids are used during this analysis. Safety glasses and gloves must be worn when handling these solutions. Extreme
care should be exercised in using hydrofluoric acid and other hot concentrated acids.
10.2 2 Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic acid that can severely burn skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Hydrofluoric acid is similar to other acids in that the initial extent of a burn depends on the concentration, the temperature, and
the duration of contact with the acid. Hydrofluoric acid differs from other acids because the fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin,
causing destruction of deep tissue layers. Unlike other acids that are rapidly neutralized, hydrofluoric acid reactions with tissue may
continue for days if left untreated. Due to the serious consequences of hydrofluoric acid burns, prevention of exposure or injury
of personnel is the primary goal. Utilization of appropriate laboratory controls (hoods) and wearing adequate personal protective
equipment to protect from skin and eye contact Familiarization and compliance with the Safety Data Sheet is essential.
11. Sampling
11.1 Collect the sample in accordance with Practice C998.
11.2 Prepare the sample for analysis in accordance with Practice C999.
12. Procedure
12.1 The
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