Radiochemical Analysis
Our facility includes a full radiochemistry laboratory, capable of providing a full range of analysis methods for drinking water, waste water and environmental samples. We have now obtained certification for drinking water and wastewater radiochemistry analysis in Nevada and Georgia. Our Nevada certificate number is AZ-0462-2000-78.
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued the final rule for Radionuclides in Drinking water. The new rule contains a Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) for uranium at 30 µg/L, and requires Radium-228 testing. Uranium is present in virtually all groundwater and is not regulated under the existing drinking water rules that will be superseded by this new rule effective in December 2003. Please see this memo for a description of uranium in drinking water and recommendations for the test method best suited to demonstrate compliance with the new limit.
The MCL for Radium remains the same at 5 pCi/L, but Radium-228 must now be analyzed for separately. Currently Radium-228 analysis only needs to be done if the Gross Alpha exceeds 5 pCi/L and the Radium-226 level is over 3 pCi/L. Since this combination of radionuclide levels is uncommon in western waters, many POEs have no Radium-228 data. Water systems that did not grandfather Ra-228 data prior to December 8, 2003 must do quarterly testing for Radium-228 starting on dates required by your regulatory authority.
Additional materials are available from the EPA:
RSE, Inc. is also licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZ0462) for the following parameters in water:
| Parameter | Method |
|---|---|
| Gross alpha and beta | EPA 900 |
| Gross alpha by co-precipitation | EPA 00-02 |
| Radioactive strontium | EPA 00-04 |
| Radium 226 | EPA 903.1 |
| Radium 228 | EPA 904 |
| Total Radium (not recommended) | EPA 903 |
| Tritium | EPA 906 |
| Total Uranium | EPA 908.0 |
| Isotopic Uranium | EPA 00-07 |
| Radon | 7500 Rn (EPA 913.1) |
Prices for Analyses in Water
| Analysis | Price (per sample) |
|---|---|
| Gross alpha | $45 |
| Gross beta | $45 |
| Gross alpha and beta | $75 |
| Radium-226 | $70 |
| Radium-228 | $105 |
| Radium-226 and Radium-228 | $160 |
| Radium-224 Screen | $130 |
| Total Uranium | $93.50 |
| Isotopic Uranium | $135 |
| Lead-210 | $130 |
| Polonium-210 | $210 |
| Gamma Spectroscopy (HPGe) | $135 |
| I-131 | $136 |
| Total Strontium | $130 |
| Strontium 89/90 (ASTM Method) | $140 |
| Tritium | $67 |
| Radon in Drinking Water | $55 |