Chemical Analysis of Radioactive Materials in Water

摘要

The quantitative analysis of water for radioactive elements is of considerable interest to all those responsible for a safe water supply. The burgeoning nuclear-energy industry, the widening use of radioisotopes, and nuclear-weapons testing all present a definite possibility of raising concentrations of activity in water supplies to hazardous levels. Consequently, radiologic monitoring systems have been activated at a number of locations, and more are being added. Except in rare cases, the amount of radioactive material present in a sample is considerably below the range of the usual methods of volumetric or gravimetric chemical analysis. The radiation produced by even trace concentrations can be readily measured, however, and this measurement offers an effective means of analysis.