ASTM C1255-93(2005)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Standard Test Method for Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method was developed and the instrument calibrated using ground soils from the site of a nuclear materials plant. This test method can be used to measure the extent of contamination from uranium and thorium in ground soils. Since the detection limit of this technique (nominally 20 μg per gram) approaches typical background levels for these contaminants, the method can be used as a quick characterization of an on-site area to indicated points of contamination. Then after cleanup, EDXRF may be used to verify the elimination of contamination or other analysis methods (such as colorimetry, fluoremetry, phosphorescence, etc.) can be used if it is necessary to test for cleanup down to a required background level. This test method can also be used for the segregation of soil lots by established contamination levels during on-site construction and excavation.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrochemical analysis of trace levels of uranium and thorium in soils. Any sample matrix that differs from the general ground soil composition used for calibration (that is, fertilizer or a sample of mostly rock) would have to be calibrated separately to determine the effect of the different matrix composition.
1.2 The analysis is performed after an initial drying and grinding of the sample, and the results are reported on a dry basis. The sample preparation technique used incorporates into the sample any rocks and organic material present in the soil. This test method of sample preparation differs from other techniques that involve tumbling and sieving the sample.
1.3 Linear calibration is performed over a concentration range from 20 to 1000 [mu]g per gram for uranium and thorium.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C1255 – 93 (Reapproved 2005)
Standard Test Method for
Analysis of Uranium and Thorium in Soils by Energy
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Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1255; 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 D1452 PracticeforSoilExplorationandSamplingbyAuger
Borings
1.1 This test method covers the energy dispersive X-ray
D1586 Test Method for Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-
fluorescence(EDXRF)spectrochemicalanalysisoftracelevels
Barrel Sampling of Soils
ofuraniumandthoriuminsoils.Anysamplematrixthatdiffers
D1587 Practice forThin-WalledTube Sampling of Soils for
from the general ground soil composition used for calibration
Geotechnical Purposes
(that is, fertilizer or a sample of mostly rock) would have to be
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of
calibrated separately to determine the effect of the different
Rock for Site Investigation
matrix composition.
D3550 Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel,
1.2 The analysis is performed after an initial drying and
Drive Sampling of Soils
grinding of the sample, and the results are reported on a dry
D4697 Guide for Maintaining Test Methods in the User’s
basis.The sample preparation technique used incorporates into
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Laboratory
the sample any rocks and organic material present in the soil.
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
This test method of sample preparation differs from other
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
techniques that involve tumbling and sieving the sample.
E305 Practice for Establishing and Controlling Atomic
1.3 Linear calibration is performed over a concentration
Emission Spectrochemical Analytical Curves
range from 20 to 1000 µg per gram for uranium and thorium.
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
E876 Practice for Use of Statistics in the Evaluation of
standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for informa-
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Spectrometric Data
tion only.
E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Chemical Analysis Laboratory
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.2 Other Document:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
NBS Radiation Safety Handbook Number 111 for X-Ray
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
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Diffraction and Fluorescence Analysis Equipment
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents
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3.1 Definitions:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to analytical atomic
C982 Guide for Selecting Components for Energy-
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spectroscopy, refer to Terminology E135.
Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Systems
3.1.2 For definitions of terms relating to statistics refer to
C998 Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
Terminology E456.
D420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering De-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
sign and Construction Purposes
3.2.1 escape peak—a peak generated by an X-ray having
energy greater than 1.84 keV (the energy of the k-alpha
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This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear absorption edge for silicon) that enters the detector and causes
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
the silicon detector crystal to fluoresce. If the silicon X-ray
Test.
escapes the detector, carrying with it the energy of the silicon
Current edition approved June 1, 2005. Published December 2005. Originally
k-alpha X-ray, 2.79 E-16 Joules [J] (1.74 keV), the energy
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as C1255 – 93 (1999).
DOI: 10.1520/C1255-93R05.
measured for the detected X-ray will be less than the actual
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
X-ray energy by exactly 2.79 E-16 J (1.74 keV). Therefore, as
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
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Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced Available from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of
on www.astm.org. Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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C1255 – 93 (2005)
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