BS EN ISO 13161:2020 - Water Quality: Polonium 210 Testing Method

Ensure the highest standards in water quality testing with the BS EN ISO 13161:2020 standard. This comprehensive document provides a detailed methodology for the determination of Polonium 210 in water using alpha spectrometry, a critical process for maintaining safe and clean water supplies.

Overview

The BS EN ISO 13161:2020 is an essential standard for laboratories and professionals involved in water quality testing. Released on September 11, 2020, this document outlines the procedures and requirements for accurately measuring Polonium 210, a naturally occurring radioactive element that can pose significant health risks if present in drinking water.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN ISO 13161:2020
• Pages: 28
• ISBN: 978 0 539 00927 9
• Status: Standard

Why Choose BS EN ISO 13161:2020?

This standard is crucial for ensuring that water testing is conducted with precision and reliability. By adhering to the guidelines set forth in this document, laboratories can ensure that their testing methods meet international standards, providing confidence in the safety and quality of water supplies.

Comprehensive Testing Methodology

The document provides a step-by-step guide to using alpha spectrometry for the detection of Polonium 210. This method is recognized for its accuracy and sensitivity, making it ideal for detecting even trace amounts of this radioactive element in water samples.

Internationally Recognized Standard

As part of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) series, this standard is recognized globally, ensuring that your testing methods are aligned with international best practices. This recognition is crucial for laboratories that operate in multiple countries or that need to meet international regulatory requirements.

Ensuring Public Health and Safety

Polonium 210 is a highly radioactive element that can have serious health implications if ingested. By using the methods outlined in this standard, laboratories can accurately assess the presence of Polonium 210 in water, helping to protect public health and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN ISO 13161:2020 is designed for use by professionals in the water quality testing industry, including:

• Environmental laboratories
• Water treatment facilities
• Regulatory bodies
• Research institutions

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with the BS EN ISO 13161:2020 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Accuracy: Ensures precise measurement of Polonium 210 levels.
• Reliability: Provides a consistent methodology for testing.
• Safety: Helps protect public health by ensuring water safety.
• Credibility: Enhances the reputation of laboratories by adhering to international standards.

Conclusion

In an era where water quality is of paramount importance, the BS EN ISO 13161:2020 standard is an invaluable resource for ensuring the safety and reliability of water testing methods. By implementing the guidelines within this document, laboratories can provide accurate and reliable results, safeguarding public health and meeting regulatory requirements.

Invest in the BS EN ISO 13161:2020 standard today to enhance your water testing capabilities and ensure compliance with international standards.

BS EN ISO 13161:2020

This standard BS EN ISO 13161:2020 Water quality. Polonium 210. Test method using alpha spectrometry is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.060.60 Examination of physical properties of water
• 17.240 Radiation measurements

This document specifies a method for the measurement of 210Po in all types of waters by alpha spectrometry. The method is applicable to test samples of supply/drinking water, rainwater, surface and ground water, marine water, as well as cooling water, industrial water, domestic, and industrial wastewater after proper sampling and handling, and test sample preparation. Filtration of the test sample may be required. The detection limit depends on the sample volume, the instrument used, the counting time, the background count rate, the detection efficiency and the chemical yield. The method described in this document, using currently available alpha spectrometry apparatus, has a detection limit of approximately 5 mBq l?1, which is lower than the WHO criteria for safe consumption of drinking water (100 mBq l?1). This value can be achieved with a counting time of 24 h for a sample volume of 500 ml. The method described in this document is also applicable in an emergency situation. The analysis of 210Po adsorbed to suspended matter in the sample is not covered by this method. If suspended material has to be removed or analysed, filtration using a 0,45 ?m filter is recommended. The analysis of the insoluble fraction requires a mineralization step that is not covered by this document [13]. In this case, the measurement is made on the different phases obtained. The final activity is the sum of all the measured activity concentrations. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for the water samples tested.