Gross alpha determination in drinking water using a highly specific resin and LSC

Some results of experiments concerning a new highly specific resin for the extraction of alpha-emitting nuclides from drinking water samples are presented. The product used during these experiments is a new extraction chromatographic resin which consists of a combination of several reagents and extractants supported on inert polymeric substrates, called “Resin” hereafter. It shows strong affinity for Actinides in the tri-, tetra- and hexavalent oxidation state, as well as for radium, even in presence of large amounts of calcium. Gross-alpha activities were determined using α-/β-discrimination liquid scintillation counting (α-/β-LSC) by direct measurement of the dried resin after extraction. Counting conditions were optimised accordingly. A method for the determination of alpha-emitting nuclides in drinking water was developed and tested using intercomparison and spiked drinking water samples.