1.1This test method covers the measurement of beta particle activity of water. It is applicable to beta emitters having maximum energies above 0.1 MeV and at activity levels above 0.02 Bq/mL (540 pCi/L) of radioactive homogeneous water for most counting systems. This test method is not applicable to samples containing radionuclides that are volatile under conditions of the analysis.

1.2This test method can be used for either absolute or relative determinations. In tracer work, the results may be expressed by comparison with a standard which is defined to be 100 %. For radioassay, data may be expressed in terms of a known radionuclide standard if the radionuclides of concern are known and no fractionation occurred during processing, or may be expressed arbitrarily in terms of some other standard such as ¹³⁷Cs. General information on radioactivity and measurement of radiation may be found in the literature2^, 3^, 4^, 5 and Practices D3648.

1.3The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4This 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.

1.5This 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.