Pates, Jacqueline M. and Mullinger, Neil J. (2006) Determination of Rn-222 in freshwater: development of a robust method of analysis by alpha/beta separation liquid scintillation spectrometry. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 65 (1). pp. 92-103. ISSN 0969-8043
Abstract
Liquid scintillation spectrometry is used widely for determining 222Rn in natural waters; however, the benefits of α/β separation have not been fully explored. The extractants toluene and Ultima Gold F were compared, and both performed well for a range of extreme waters. A robust method for calibrating extraction and counting efficiencies has been developed. Detection limits are 20 mBq l−1 (toluene) and 16 mBq l−1 (UGF) for a 60 min count and 600-ml sample, halving the required sample volume.