Abstract / scope
The method is based on acidifying the sample to stabilize it, evaporation almost to dryness, conversion to the sulfate form and ignition at 350 °C, transfer of a portion of the residue to a planchette and counting alpha-activity in a alpha-particle detector. Covers non-volatile (at 350 °C) alpha-active radionuclides and can be extended to saline or mineralized waters, but with a reduced sensitivity. Applies to the analysis of raw and potable waters.