ASTM C999-17
Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides

Standard No.

ASTM C999-17

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM C999-17

Scope

5.1 Soil samples prepared for radionuclide analyses by this practice can be used to characterize radionuclide constituents. This practice is intended to produce a homogeneous sample from which smaller aliquots may be drawn for radionuclide characterization.

5.2 Many soil characterization plans for radionuclide constituents utilize gamma-ray spectrometry measurements of soil to quantify a number of possible gamma emitting analytes. A widely used practice for these measurements is to fill a calibrated sample container, such as a Marinelli beaker (∼600-mL volume), with a homogenized soil sample for counting such as what may be done using Guide C1402. By preparing the entire soil core collection, sufficient homogeneous sample is available for such gamma-ray spectrometry and other radiochemical measurements.

1.1 This practice covers the preparation of surface soil samples collected for analysis of radionuclide constituents, particularly uranium and plutonium. This practice describes one acceptable approach to the preparation of soil samples for radiochemical analysis.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 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. A specific hazard statement is given in 7.3.

1.4 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.

ASTM C999-17 Referenced Document

• ASTM C1402 Standard Guide for High-Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometry of Soil Samples
• ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• ASTM C998 Standard Practice for Sampling Surface Soil for Radionuclides
• ASTM E11 Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes

ASTM C999-17 history

• 2017 ASTM C999-17 Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
• 2005 ASTM C999-05(2010)e1 Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
• 2005 ASTM C999-05 Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides
• 1990 ASTM C999-90(2000) Standard Practice for Soil Sample Preparation for the Determination of Radionuclides