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Sample collection guidance for NWQL schedules 1262 and 1263

The following guidance applies to all water samples submitted for analysis by NWQL schedule 1262 or 1263 (radiochemical analysis of water samples). The half life of radium-224 is only 3.6 days, so it is imperative that the Schedule 1263 samples be shipped by FedEx at the end of each sampling day. Schedule 1262 (radium-226 and -228 only) does not require the same speedy shipping.

• Constituents on schedules 1262 and 1263
• Sampling procedures for Ra-226, Ra-228, gross-alpha, and gross-beta
• Shipping procedures--
  • Schedule 1262
  • Schedule 1263
• Contacts

Constituents on schedules 1262 and 1263

Schedule 1262	Schedule 1263
	Ra-224 by alpha spec
Ra-226 by emanation	Ra-226 by alpha spec
Ra-228 by beta counting	Ra-228 by beta counting
	Gross Alpha
	Gross Beta
FY2000 Cost: $277	FY2000 Cost: $509 (See the NWQL Catalog for current pricing.)

Sampling procedures for Ra-226, Ra-228, gross-alpha, and gross-beta

1. Obtain 1L pre-acid washed polyethelyne sampling bottles from OCALA.
2. Obtain sufficient quantity of preservative acid. ULTREX is recommended, but not necessary, assuming that the acid supply is "pre-blanked" for the radioactive constituents. Especially alkaline waters may require 2-4 mL/L for preservation.
3. Run at least one equipment blank in the field (pump, tubing, filter, acid) using standard USGS IBW. Analysis of IBW for gross alpha is very difficult as the entire procedure is set to deal with waters with dissolved solids in them. The best source for such a blank may be previously measured river water with known very low concentrations.
4. Follow ground water NAWQA protocol for filtered samples. Sample radionuclides Last. Add nitric acid in appropriate amounts till sample pH is less than 2.
5. Submit one duplicate per study unit. (A second set of bottles filtered immediately after the first.)

Shipping procedures

Schedule 1262

Two 1-liter bottles should be sent to:

Eberline Services
Sample Control
2030 Wright Ave
Richmond, CA
94804-0040

Contact Ann Mullin at NWQL if you have any questions

Schedule 1263

The new lab documentation is currently being verified.

Guidance information will be posted when it is available.

In the meantime, please contact Ann Mullin at the NWQL with any questions.

Contacts

For questions on lab procedures, bottles, etc., contact:

Ann Mullin
USGS National Water Quality Laboratory
Box 25046, Denver Federal Center, MS 407
Denver, CO 80225-0046
(303) 236-3480
ahmullin@usgs.gov

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