BS EN ISO 13163:2022 Water quality — Lead-210 — Test method using liquid scintillation counting

Standard Number: BS EN ISO 13163:2022

Pages: 36

Released: 2022-10-31

ISBN: 978 0 539 12170 4

Status: Standard

Overview

Ensure the highest standards of water quality testing with the BS EN ISO 13163:2022 standard. This comprehensive document provides a detailed methodology for the determination of Lead-210 in water using liquid scintillation counting. Released on October 31, 2022, this 36-page standard is an essential resource for laboratories, researchers, and professionals in the field of water quality analysis.

Why Choose BS EN ISO 13163:2022?

Lead-210 is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope that can be found in various water sources. Accurate measurement of Lead-210 is crucial for assessing the safety and quality of drinking water, as well as for environmental monitoring. The BS EN ISO 13163:2022 standard provides a reliable and validated test method using liquid scintillation counting, ensuring precise and reproducible results.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Methodology: Detailed step-by-step instructions for the preparation, measurement, and analysis of water samples.
• Validated Test Method: Ensures accuracy and reliability in the determination of Lead-210 concentrations.
• Applicable to Various Water Types: Suitable for testing drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and wastewater.
• International Standard: Recognized and adopted globally, facilitating consistency and comparability of results across different regions and laboratories.

Content Highlights

The BS EN ISO 13163:2022 standard is meticulously structured to guide users through the entire testing process. Key sections include:

• Introduction: Overview of the importance of Lead-210 testing and the principles of liquid scintillation counting.
• Scope: Defines the applicability and limitations of the test method.
• Normative References: Lists other relevant standards and documents referenced in the methodology.
• Terms and Definitions: Clarifies key terms and concepts used throughout the standard.
• Principle: Describes the scientific basis and rationale for the test method.
• Reagents and Apparatus: Specifies the materials and equipment required for the test.
• Sampling and Sample Preparation: Provides guidelines for the collection, preservation, and preparation of water samples.
• Procedure: Detailed instructions for conducting the liquid scintillation counting test.
• Calculation and Expression of Results: Explains how to calculate Lead-210 concentrations and report the findings.
• Quality Control: Recommendations for ensuring the accuracy and precision of test results.
• Annexes: Additional information and examples to support the main text.

Benefits of Using BS EN ISO 13163:2022

Adopting the BS EN ISO 13163:2022 standard offers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Accuracy: The validated test method minimizes errors and ensures reliable results.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets international regulatory requirements for water quality testing.
• Consistency: Standardized procedures enable consistent testing and comparability of results across different laboratories.
• Improved Safety: Accurate detection of Lead-210 helps protect public health and the environment.
• Resource Efficiency: Clear guidelines and procedures streamline the testing process, saving time and resources.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN ISO 13163:2022 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals and organizations, including:

• Water Quality Laboratories: Ensure accurate and reliable testing of water samples for Lead-210.
• Environmental Agencies: Monitor and assess the safety of water sources in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Research Institutions: Conduct studies and research on water quality and radioactive isotopes.
• Public Health Organizations: Protect public health by ensuring the safety of drinking water.
• Industrial Facilities: Monitor and manage water quality in industrial processes and wastewater treatment.

Conclusion

In an era where water quality is of paramount importance, the BS EN ISO 13163:2022 standard provides a robust and reliable method for the determination of Lead-210 using liquid scintillation counting. With its comprehensive guidelines, validated procedures, and international recognition, this standard is an essential tool for ensuring the safety and quality of water sources. Equip your laboratory or organization with the knowledge and methodology to accurately measure Lead-210 and contribute to a safer and healthier environment.

BS EN ISO 13163:2022

This standard BS EN ISO 13163:2022 Water quality — Lead-210 — Test method using liquid scintillation counting is classified in these ICS categories:

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

This document specifies a method for the measurement of ²¹⁰Pb in all types of waters by liquid scintillation counting (LSC).

The method is applicable to test samples of supply/drinking water, rainwater, surface and ground 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 is necessary. Lead?210 activity concentration in the environment can vary and usually ranges from 2 mBq l^-1 to 300 mBq l^{-1 [ 27 ][ 28 ]}.

Using currently available liquid scintillation counters, the limit of detection of this method for ²¹⁰Pb is generally of the order of 20 mBq l^-1 to 50 mBq l^-1, which is lower than the WHO criteria for safe consumption of drinking water (100 mBq l^?1).^{[ 4 ][ 6 ]} These values can be achieved with a counting time between 180 min and 720 min for a sample volume from 0,5 l to 1,5 l. Higher activity concentrations can be measured by either diluting the sample or using smaller sample aliquots or both. The method presented in this document is not intended for the determination of an ultra-trace amount of ²¹⁰Pb.

The range of application depends on the amount of dissolved material in the water and on the performance characteristics of the measurement equipment (background count rate and counting efficiency).

The method described in this document is applicable to an emergency situation.

The analysis of Pb adsorbed to suspended matter is not covered by this method.

It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for the water samples tested.