EPA 402-R-18-002
www.epa.gov
August 2018
Revision 0
Rapid Method for Sodium Hydroxide Fusion
of Limestone Matrices Prior to Americium,
Plutonium, Strontium, Radium, and Uranium
Analyses for Environmental Remediation
Following Radiological Incidents
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
Montgomery, AL 36115
Office of Research and Development
National Homeland Security Research Center
Cincinnati, OH 45268

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Sodium Hydroxide Fusion of Limestone Matrices
Revision History
Revision 0 Original release.	 8/7/2018
This report was prepared for the National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory of the Office of
Radiation and Indoor Air and the National Homeland Security Research Center of the Office of Research
and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency. It was prepared by Environmental
Management Support, Inc., of Silver Spring, Maryland, under contract EP-W-07-037, Work Assignment 2-
43, and contract EP-W-13-016, Task Order 014, both managed by Dan Askren. This document has been
reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy and approved for
publication. Note that approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views of the
Agency. Mention of trade names, products, or services does not convey EPA approval, endorsement, or
recommendation.

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Sodium Hydroxide Fusion of Limestone Matrices
Rapid Method for Sodium Hydroxide Fusion of Limestone Matrices Prior to
Americium, Plutonium, Strontium, Radium, and Uranium Analyses
1. Scope and Application
1.1.	This method is applicable to the sodium hydroxide fusion of limestone samples, prior
to chemical separation as described in the following procedures:
1.1.1.	Rapid Radiochemical Method for Americium-241 in Building Materials for
Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents (Reference
16.1).
1.1.2.	Rapid Radiochemical Method for Plutonium-238 and Plutonium-239/240 in
Building Materials for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological
Incidents (Reference 16.2).
1.1.3.	Improved Rapid Radiochemical Method for Radium-226 in Building Materials
for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents (Reference
16.3).
1.1.4.	Rapid Radiochemical Method for Total Radiostrontium (Sr-90) in Building
Materials for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents
(Reference 16.4).
1.1.5.	Rapid Radiochemical Method for Isotopic Uranium in Building Materials for
Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents (Reference
16.5).
1.2.	This is a general method for limestone samples collected following a radiological or
nuclear incident. The limestone samples may be received as core samples, crushed
samples, or in pieces of various sizes.
1.3.	The rapid fusion method is rapid and rigorous, effectively digesting refractory
radionuclide particles that may be present in the limestone samples.
1.4.	Limestone samples should be crushed and pulverized prior to taking a representative
aliquant for analysis. The limestone sample should be milled to achieve a particle size
small enough that representative subsamples can be taken and representative aliquants
analyzed.
1.5.	After a homogeneous subsample is obtained, the limestone sample aliquant is taken
and fused to digest the limestone sample matrix, and matrix removal steps are
employed to collect and preconcentrate the radionuclides from the alkaline fusion
matrix. This method is a sample digestion and pretreatment technique to be used prior
to other separation and analysis methods. The user should refer to those individual
methods and any project-specific requirements for the determination of applicable
measurement quality objectives (MQOs).
Note: Sample count times may vary based on differences in instrument parameters such as
chemical yield, detection efficiency, and background.
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1.6. Application of this method by any laboratory should be validated by the laboratory
using the protocols provided in Method Validation Guide for Qualifying Methods Used
by Radioanalytical Laboratories Participating in Incident Response Activities
(Reference 16.6), or the protocols published by a recognized standards organization
for method validation.
1.6.1. In the absence of project-specific guidance, MQOs for limestone samples may
be based on the analytical action levels (AALs), required method uncertainty
(wmr) , and the required relative method uncertainty ((pmr) found in the
Radiological Sample Analysis Guide for Incident Response — Radionuclides in
Soil (Reference 16.7).
2.	Summary of Method
2.1.	The method is based on the rapid dissolution of a representative, finely milled
aliquants of approximately 1 g of limestone using sodium hydroxide fusion at 600 °C.
2.2.	Plutonium (Pu), Uramium (U), and Americium (Am) are separated from the alkaline
matrix using an iron hydroxide/titanium hydroxide precipitation followed by a
lanthanum fluoride matrix removal step.
2.3.	Strontium (Sr) is separated from the alkaline matrix using a phosphate precipitation,
followed by a calcium fluoride precipitation to remove silicates.
2.4.	Radium (Ra) is separated from the alkaline matrix using a carbonate precipitation.
2.5.	The resulting solutions are subsequently processed as summarized in Steps 1.1.1-
1.1.5.
3.	Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms
3.1.	Discrete Radioactive Particles (DRPs or "hot particles"). Particulate matter in a sample
of any matrix where a high concentration of radioactive material is present as a tiny
particle (|im [micron] range).
3.2.	Multi-Agency Radiological Analytical Laboratory Protocol (MARLAP) Manual
(Reference 16.8).
3.3.	The use of the term limestone throughout this method is not intended to be limiting or
prescriptive, and the method described herein refers to all limestone- related materials.
In cases where the distinction is important, the specific issues related to a particular
sample type will be discussed.
4.	Interferences and Limitations
4.1.	Limestone samples with larger particle size may require a longer fusion time during
Step 11.1.7.
4.2.	Information regarding the elemental composition of the sample may be helpful. For
example, limestone may have native concentrations of uranium, radium, thorium (Th),
strontium, or barium (Ba), any of which may have an effect on the chemical
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separations used following the fusion of the sample. In some cases (e.g., strontium
analysis), elemental analysis of the digestate prior to chemical separations may be
necessary to determine native concentrations of carrier elements present in the sample.
The amount of stable Sr added to the limestone samples is designed to minimize the
impact from native stable strontium.
4.3.	Matrix blanks for these matrices may not be practical to obtain. Efforts should be
made to obtain independent, analyte-free materials that have similar composition as
the samples to be analyzed. These blanks will serve as process monitors for the fusion
process, and as potential monitors for cross contamination during batch processing.
4.4.	Uncontaminated limestone material may be acceptable blank material for Pu, Am, and
Sr analyses, but this material will contain background levels of naturally occurring U
and Ra isotopes.
4.4.1.	If analyte-free blank material is not available and an empty crucible is used to
generate a reagent blank sample, it is recommended that -200 milligram (mg)
calcium be added as calcium nitrate to the empty crucible as blank simulant for
limestone. This simulates the calcium present in the limestone sample, which is
utilized in the sample preconcentration steps.
4.4.2.	Tracer yields may be slightly lower for reagent blank matrices, since limestone
matrix components typically enhance recoveries across the precipitation steps.
4.5.	Samples with elevated activity or samples that require multiple analyses from a single
aliquant may need to be split after dissolution. In these cases the initial digestate and
the split fractions should be carefully measured to ensure that the sample aliquant for
analysis is accurately determined.
4.5.1.	Tracer or carrier amounts (added for yield determination) may be increased
where the split allows for the normal added amount to be present in the
subsequent aliquant. For very high activity samples, the addition of the tracer
or carrier may need to be postponed until following the split, in which case
special care must be taken to ensure that the process is quantitative until
isotopic exchange with the yield monitor is achieved. This deviation from the
method should be thoroughly documented and reported in the case narrative.
4.5.2.	When this method is employed and the entire volume of fused sample is
processed in the subsequent chemical separation method, the original sample
size and units are used in all calculations, with the final results reported in the
units requested by the project manager.
4.5.3.	In cases where the sample digestate is split prior to analysis, the fractional
aliquant of the sample is used to determine the sample size. The calculation of
the appropriate sample size used for analysis is described in Section 12.
4.6.	Batch blank samples, laboratory control samples (LCS), and duplicates should be
created as early in the process as possible, following the same tracer/carrier additions,
digestion process, and sample splitting used for the field samples. In this method,
quality control (QC) samples should be initiated at the point samples are aliquanted
into crucibles for the fusion.
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4.7.	Zirconium crucibles used in the fusion process may be reused.
4.7.1.	Before reuse, the crucibles should be cleaned very well using soap and water,
followed by warm nitric acid (multiple rinses) and then water. Blank
measurements should be monitored to ensure effective cleaning and control
against cross-contamination.
4.7.2.	Segregation of crucibles into separate groups used for low and high activity
samples is recommended to minimize the risk of cross-contamination while
maximizing the efficient use of crucibles.
4.8.	Centrifuge speeds of 3500 revolutions per minute (rpm) are recommended but lower
rpm speeds may be used if 3500 rpm is not available. Longer centrifuge times may be
needed with lower speeds.
4.9.	Aluminum nitrate reagent typically contains trace levels of uranium contamination. To
achieve the lowest possible blanks for isotopic uranium measurements, some labs have
removed the trace uranium by passing -250 milliliter (mL) of the 2 Molar (M)
aluminum nitrate reagent through ~7 mL TRU Resin, but this will have to be tested
and validated by the laboratory.
4.10.	The high calcium (Ca) content in limestone may limit the sample size used for the
determinations of some radionuclides, particularly for 226Ra analyses where a calcium
carbonate preconcentration step is used and high levels of calcium (Ca) could exceed
resin capacity. The sample aliquant is limited to 0.75 g, and additional cation resin is
prescribed to address this.
4.11.	Because of the high calcium content in limestone, the native amounts of calcium in the
sample aliquants are utilized during many of the preconcentration steps, such as the
calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, or calcium fluoride precipitation steps.
Additional calcium is not added during these steps to avoid problems associated with
having too much calcium, such as undissolved solids in the final column load
solutions. By adding calcium to the reagent blank and laboratory control sample (LCS)
crucibles to simulate the limestone samples, the blank and LCS behave like the
sample.
4.12.	A 1-g aliquant is used for the actinide analysis. For the actinide co-precipitation step,
the hydroxide content is reduced by adding acid to the fusion matrix to reduce Ca in
the iron hydroxide precipitate. This reduces the size of the calcium fluoride/lanthanum
fluoride (CaF2/LaF3) precipitate so that it can be dissolved effectively into the column
load solution for processing.
5. Safety
5.1. General
5.1.1.	Refer to your laboratory' s safety manual for concerns of contamination control,
personal exposure monitoring and radiation dose monitoring.
5.1.2.	Refer to your laboratory' s chemical hygiene plan (or equivalent) for general
safety rules regarding chemicals in the workplace.
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5.2.	Radiological
5.2.1. Discrete Radioactive Particles (DRPs or "hot particles")
5.2.1.1.	Hot particles will likely be small, on the order of 1 millimeter (mm) or
less. DRPs typically are not evenly distributed in the media and their
radiation emissions are not uniform in all directions (anisotropic).
5.2.1.2.	Limestone media should be individually surveyed using a thickness of
the solid sample that is appropriate for detection of the radionuclide
decay particles.
Note: The information regarding DRPs should accompany the samples during
processing as well as be described in the case narrative that accompanies the
sample results.
5.3.	Procedure-Specific Non-Radiological Hazards:
5.3.1.	The sodium hydroxide fusion is performed in a furnace at 600 °C. The operator
should exercise extreme care when using the furnace and when handling the
hot crucibles. Long tongs are recommended. Thermal protection gloves are
also recommended when performing this part of the procedure. The fusion
furnace should be used in a well-ventilated area (hood, trunk exhaust, etc.).
5.3.2.	Particular attention should be paid to the use of hydrofluoric acid (HF).
Hydrofluoric acid is an extremely dangerous chemical used in the preparation
of some of the reagents and in the microprecipitation procedure. Appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used in strict accordance with the
laboratory safety program specification.
6. Equipment and Supplies
6.1.	Adjustable temperature laboratory hotplates.
6.2.	Balance, top loading or analytical, readout display of at least ± 0.01 g.
6.3.	Beakers, 100 mL and 150 mL capacity.
6.4.	Centrifuge able to accommodate 225 mL (or 250 mL) tubes.
6.5.	Centrifuge tubes, 50 mL and 225 mL capacity.
Note: 225-mL centrifuge tubes are specified but 250 mL centrifuge tubes may also be used
instead.
6.6.	Crucibles, 250 mL, zirconium, with lids.
6.7.	100 microliters ((jL), 200 [jL, 500 [xL, and 1 mL pipets or equivalent and appropriate
plastic tips.
6.8.	1-10 mL electronic/manual pipet(s).
6.9.	Hot water bath or dry bath equivalent.
6.10.	Muffle furnace capable of reaching at least 600 °C.
6.11.	Tongs for handling crucibles (small and long tongs).
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6.12.	Tweezers or forceps.
6.13.	Sample size reduction equipment (hydraulic press, milling equipment, mallet, etc.) and
screens. The necessary equipment will be based on a laboratory's specific method for
the process of producing a uniformly ground sample from which to procure an
aliquant.
Note: See Appendix A for a method for homogenization of limestone samples.
6.14.	Vortex stirrer.
7. Reagents and Standards
Notes: Unless otherwise indicated, all references to water should be understood to mean Type I reagent
water (ASTM D1193; Reference 16.9).
All reagents are American Chemical Society (ACS)-grade or equivalent unless otherwise specified.
7.1.	Type I reagent water as defined in ASTM Standard D1193 (Reference 16.9).
7.2.	Aluminum nitrate solution, 2M (A1(N03)3): Add 750 g of aluminum nitrate
nonahydrate (A1(N03)3' 9H20) to -700 mL of water and dilute with water to 1 liter
(L).
7.3.	Ammonium hydrogen phosphate (3.2M): Dissolve 106 g of (NH^HPC^ in 200 mL of
water, heat on low to medium heat on a hot plate to dissolve and dilute with water to
250 mL.
7.4.	Boric Acid, H3BO3.
7.5.	Calcium nitrate (1.25M): Dissolve 147 g of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate
(Ca(N03)2'4H20) in 300 mL of water and dilute with water to 500 mL.
7.6.	Iron (Fe) carrier (50 mg/mL): Dissolve 181 g of ferric nitrate (Fe(NC>3)3 • 9H2O) in
300 mL water and dilute with water to 500 mL. This carrier does not need to be
standardized.
7.7.	Hydrochloric acid (12M): Concentrated HC1.
7.7.1.	Hydrochloric acid (0.01M): Add 0.83 mL of concentrated HC1 to 800 mL of
water and dilute with water to 1 L.
7.7.2.	Hydrochloric acid (1.5M): Add 125 mL of concentrated HC1 to 800 mL of
water and dilute with water to 1 L.
7.8.	Hydrofluoric acid (28M): Concentrated HF.
7.9.	Lanthanum (La) carrier (1.0 mg La3+/mL): Add 1.56 g lanthanum (III) nitrate
hexahydrate [La(NOs)3 • 6H20] in 300 mL water, dilute with water to 500 mL. This
carrier does not need to be standardized.
7.10.	Nitri c aci d (16M): C oncentrated HNO3.
7.10.1. Nitric acid (3M): Add 191 mL of concentrated HNO3 to 700 mL of water and
dilute with water to 1 L.
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7.10.2.	Nitric acid (3M)-boric acid (0.25M) solution: Add 15.4 g of boric acid and 190
mL of concentrated HN03 to 500 mL of water, heat to dissolve, and dilute with
water to 1 L.
7.10.3.	Nitric acid (7M): Add 443 mL of concentrated HNO3 to 400 mL of water and
dilute with water to 1 L.
7.10.4.	Nitric acid (8M): Add 506 mL of concentrated HNO3 to 400 mL of water and
dilute with water to 1 L.
7.11.	Sodium carbonate (2M): Dissolve 212 g anhydrous Na2C03 in 800 mL of water, then
dilute with water to 1 L.
7.12.	Sodium hydroxide pellets.
7.13.	Titanium (III) chloride solution (TiCh), 20 percent by mass (wt%) solution in 20-30
wt% hydrochloric acid. (This reagent is typically available commercially in this
concentration.) Alternate concentrations (e.g. 10%) may be used with appropriate
volume adjustments.
7.14.	Radioactive tracers/carriers (used as yield monitors) and spiking solutions. A
radiotracer is a radioactive isotope of the analyte that is added to the sample to
measure any losses of the analyte. A carrier is a stable isotope form of a radionuclide
(usually the analyte) added to increase the total amount of that element so that a
measureable mass of the element is present. A carrier can be used to determine the
yield of the chemical process and/or to carry the analyte or radiotracer through the
chemical process. Refer to the chemical separation method(s) to be employed upon
completion of this dissolution technique. Tracers/carriers that are used to monitor
radiochemical/chemical yield should be added at the beginning of this procedure. This
allows for monitoring and correction of chemical losses in the combined digestion
process, as well as in the chemical separation method. Carriers used to prepare sample
test sources but not used for chemical yield determination (e.g., cerium (Ce) added for
microprecipitation of plutonium or uranium), should be added where indicated.
8.	Sample Collection, Preservation, and Storage
Not Applicable.
9.	Quality Control
9.1.	Where the subsequent chemical separation technique requires the addition of carriers
and radioactive tracers for chemical yield determinations, these are to be added prior to
beginning the fusion procedure, unless there is good technical justification for doing
otherwise.
9.2.	Quality control samples are generally specified in the laboratory's quality manual or in
a project's analytical protocol specifications (APS). At the very minimum, the
following are suggested:
9.2.1. A LCS, which consists solely of the reagents used in this procedure and a
known quantity of radionuclide spiking solution, shall be run with each batch
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of samples. The concentration of the LCS should be at or near the action level
or level of interest for the project.
9.2.2.	One reagent blank shall be run with each batch of samples. The blank should
consist solely of the reagents used in this procedure (including tracer or carrier
noted in this analytical method added prior to the fusion process).
9.2.3.	A sample duplicate that is equal in size to the original aliquant should be
analyzed with each batch of samples. This provides assurance that the
laboratory's sample size reduction and subsampling processes are reproducible.
9.3. Batch quality control results shall be evaluated and meet applicable APS prior to
release of unqualified data. In the absence of project-defined APS or a project-specific
quality assurance project plan (QAPP), the quality control sample acceptance criteria
defined in the laboratory's Quality Manual and procedures shall be used to determine
acceptable performance for this method.
10.	Calibration and Standardization.
10.1. Refer to the individual chemical separation and analysis methods for calibration and
standardization protocols.
11.	Procedure
11.1. Fusion
11.1.1.	In accordance with the data quality objectives (DQOs) and sample processing
requirements stated in the project plan documents, remove extraneous
materials from the limestone sample using a clean forceps or tweezers.
11.1.2.	Weigh out a representative, finely milled 1-g aliquant of sample into a 250-
mL crucible (0.75 g aliquants for 226Ra analysis or 1.25 to 1.5 g aliquants for
90Sr analysis). See Appendix A for the limestone milling procedure.
Note: For all analyses, a reagent blank of ~200-mg Ca per sample (prepared by
evaporating 4 mL of 1.25M calcium nitrate, Ca(N03)2, should be added to the crucible
as a blank simulant to ensure the blank behaves like the limestone samples during the
precipitation steps.
11.1.3.	Add the proper amount of tracer or carrier appropriate for the method being
used and the number of aliquants needed.
Note: It is anticipated that limestone sample material will be dry enough to aliquant
without a preliminary drying step. In the event samples are received that contain
significant amounts of moisture, the samples may be dried in a drying oven at 105 °C
prior to taking the aliquant.
11.1.4.	Place crucibles on a hot plate and heat to dryness on medium heat.
Note: Heat on medium heat to dry quickly but not so high as to cause splattering.
11.1.5.	Add the following amounts of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) based on the
sample size/analysis required.
1 g for Pu, Am, U:	15 g NaOH
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1.25 g to 1.5 g for Sr:	15gNaOH
0.75 g for Ra:	lOgNaOH
11.1.6.	Place the crucibles with lids in the 600 °C furnace using tongs.
11.1.7.	Fuse samples in the crucibles for -15 minutes.
Note: Longer times may be needed for larger particles.
11.1.8.	Remove hot crucibles from furnace very carefully using tongs, and transfer to
hood.
11.1.9.	Add -25-50 mL of water to each crucible -8 to 10 minutes (or longer) after
removing crucibles from furnace, and heat on hotplate to loosen and dissolve
solids.
11.1.10.	If necessary for dissolution, add more water and warm as needed on a
hotplate.
NOTE: If undissolved residues are visible after dissolving the fusion cake, the sample
should be reprocessed using sample material that has been ground or milled to a finer
particle size, or longer fusion times, or both.
11.1.11.	Proceed to Section 11.2 for the actinide pre-concentration, 11.3 for strontium
preconcentration, or 11.4 for radium pre-concentration steps.
11.2. Pre-concentration of Actinides (Pu, U, or Am) from Hydroxide Matrix
Note: The iron (Fe) and La carriers may be added to the 225 mL centrifuge tubes prior to
transferring the dissolved sample to the tubes.
11.2.1.	After each fused sample has been transferred to a labeled 225-mL centrifuge
tube, ensure crucibles have been rinsed well with water, and the rinses have
been transferred to each tube.
11.2.2.	Add 10 mL 3 M HNO3 to each crucible and heat crucibles on a hot plate until
hot. Transfer the 3M HNO3 rinse to the 225 mL tube, followed by additional
rinses of water.
11.2.3.	Dilute each sample with water to -160 mL.
11.2.4.	Add 20 mL concentrated HC1 to each tube and swirl to mix well.
Note: The hydroxide content is lowered to reduce the amount of Ca in the precipitate.
11.2.5.	Cool the 225-mL centrifuge tubes in an ice bath to approximately room
temperature.
11.2.6.	Pipet 2.5 mL of iron carrier (50 mg/mL) into each 225-mL centrifuge tube
for each sample.
11.2.7.	Pipet 1 mg La/mL to each tube as follows:
Pu, U: 5-mL 1 mg La/mL
Am: 3-mLlmg La/mL
11.2.8.	Pipet 4 mL 3,2M (NH4)2HP04 into each tube. Cap and mix well.
Note: If column load solution solids are encountered, it may be necessary to reduce the
amount of phosphate added.
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11.2.9.	Pipet 4 mL of 20 wt% titanium (III) chloride (TiCh) into each tube, and cap
and mix well immediately.
Note: Other strengths of TiCl3 may be used, with the volume aliquot adjusted to add
an equivalent amount of TiCl3, for example, 8 mL of 10% TiCl3. It is very important to
mix well at this step to enhance uranium precipitation.
11.2.10.	Cool 225 mL centrifuge tubes in an ice bath for ~ 10 minutes.
11.2.11.	Centrifuge tubes for -6 minutes at 3500 rpm or more or as needed.
11.2.12.	Pour off the supernate and discard to waste.
11.2.13.	Add 1.5M HC1 to each tube to redissolve each sample in a total volume of
-80 mL.
11.2.14.	Cap and shake each tube to dissolve solids as well as possible.
Note: Typically, there will be undissolved solids at this point, which is acceptable.
11.2.15.	Dilute each tube to -170 mL with 0.01M HC1. Cap and mix.
11.2.16.	Pipet 1 mL of 1.0 mg La/mL into each tube.
11.2.17.	Pipet 2.5 mL of 20 wt% TiCl3 into each tube. Cap and mix.
11.2.18.	Add -20 mL of concentrated HF into each tube. Cap and mix well.
11.2.19.	Allow centrifuge tubes to stand for -10 minutes.
11.2.20.	Centrifuge for -5 to 10 minutes at 3500 rpm or more or as needed.
11.2.21.	Pour off supernate, and discard to waste.
11.2.22.	Pipet 7 mL of 3M HNCh - 0.25M boric acid into each tube.
11.2.23.	Cap, mix and transfer contents of the tube into a labeled 50-mL centrifuge
tube.
11.2.24.	Pipet 6 mL of 7M HNO3 and 7 mL of 2M aluminum nitrate into each tube,
cap and mix (shake or use a vortex stirrer), and transfer rinse to 50-mL
centrifuge tubes.
11.2.25.	Pipet 3 mL of 3M HNO3 directly into the 50-mL centrifuge tube.
11.2.26.	Warm each 50-mL centrifuge tube in a hot water bath for a few minutes,
shaking or using a vortex mixer to dissolve.
11.2.27.	If the sample does not clear up or appears cloudy, add 5 mL of 3M HNO3 to
the tube and mix again.
11.2.28.	Remove each 50-mL centrifuge tube from the water bath and allow to cool to
room temperature
11.2.29.	Centrifuge the 50-mL centrifuge tubes at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes to remove
any traces of solids (may not be visible prior to centrifuging), and transfer
solutions to labeled beakers or tubes for further processing. Discard any
solids.
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11.2.30. Proceed directly to the Am, Pu, orU methods listed in steps 1.1.1, 1.1.2, or
1.1.5.
11.3. Pre-concentration of 90Sr from Hydroxide Matrix
Note: The Fe carrier may be added to the 225 mL centrifuge tubes prior to transferring the
dissolved sample to the tubes.
11.3.1.	After each fused sample has been transferred to a 225-mL centrifuge tube,
ensure crucibles have been rinsed well with water, and the rinses have been
transferred to each tube.
11.3.2.	Add 10 mL 3 M HNChto each crucible and heat crucibles on a hot plate until
hot. Transfer the 3M HN03 rinse to the 225 mL tube, followed by additional
rinses of water.
11.3.3.	Dilute each sample to ~ 180 mL with water.
11.3.4.	Cool the 225-mL centrifuge tubes in an ice bath to approximately room
temperature.
11.3.5.	Pipet 1 mL of iron carrier (50 mg / mL) and 7 mL 3.2M (NLL^HPC^ into
each tube.
11.3.6.	Cap tubes and mix well
11.3.7.	Cool 225 mL centrifuge tubes in an ice bath for 5 to 10 minutes.
11.3.8.	Centrifuge tubes for -6 minutes at 3500 rpm or more or as needed.
11.3.9.	Pour off the supernate and discard to waste.
11.3.10.	Add 1.5M HC1 to each tube to redissolve each sample in a total volume of
-80 mL.
11.3.11.	Cap and shake each tube to dissolve solids as well as possible.
Note: Typically, there will be undissolved solids, which is acceptable.
11.3.12.	Dilute each tube to -170 mL with 0.01M HC1. Cap and mix.
11.3.13.	Add -15 mL of concentrated HF into each tube. Cap and mix well.
11.3.14.	Allow tubes to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
11.3.15.	Centrifuge for -6 minutes at 3500 rpm or more or as needed.
11.3.16.	Pour off supernate and discard to waste.
11.3.17.	Pipet 7 mL of concentrated HNC^and 7 mL of 3M HNO3 - 0.25M boric acid
into each 225-mL centrifuge tube to dissolve precipitate.
11.3.18.	Cap and mix well. Transfer contents of the tube into a labeled 50-mL
centrifuge tube.
11.3.19.	Pipet 7 mL of 3M HNO:.and 7 mL of 2M aluminum nitrate into each 225 mL
tube, cap tube and mix.
11.3.20.	Transfer rinse solutions to 50-mL centrifuge tubes and mix well (shake or use
vortex stirrer).
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11.3.21.	Centrifuge the 50-mL tubes at 3500 rpm for 5 minutes to remove any traces
of solids.
11.3.22.	Transfer solutions to labeled beakers or new 50-mL centrifuge tubes for
further processing.
11.3.23.	If solids remain, add 5 mL 3M HNChto each tube, cap and mix well,
centrifuge for 5 minutes and add the supernate to the sample solution.
Discard any residual solids.
11.3.24.	Proceed directly to the Sr method listed in step 1.1.4
11.4. Pre-concentration of 226Ra from Hydroxide Matrix
11.4.1.	Transfer each sample to a 225-mL centrifuge tube, rinse crucibles well with
water, and transfer rinses to each tube.
11.4.2.	Dilute to ~ 150 mL with water.
11.4.3.	Add 10 mL concentrated HC1 to each tube.
11.4.4.	Cap and mix each tube well.
11.4.5.	Add 10 mL of2MNa2C03to each tube.
11.4.6.	Cap tubes and mix.
11.4.7.	Allow centrifuge tubes to stand for 10 minutes.
11.4.8.	Centrifuge tubes for 6 minutes at 3500 rpm.
11.4.9.	Pour off the supernate and discard to waste.
11.4.10.	Pipet 10 mL of 1.5M HC1 into each tube to dissolve precipitate. Cap and mix.
11.4.11.	Transfer sample solution to a 50-mL centrifuge tube.
11.4.12.	Pipet 10 mL of 1.5M HC1 into each 225-mL centrifuge tube to rinse. Cap and
rinse well.
11.4.13.	Transfer rinse solution to 50-mL tube and mix well using shaking or vortex
stirrer.
Note: Typically, the HC1 added to dissolve the carbonate precipitate is sufficient to
acidify the sample. If the precipitate was unusually large and suspended solids remain,
additional acid may be needed. The pH can be checked to verify it is pH 1 or less. To
acidify the pH <1, add 1 or 2 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid to the solution and
get it to clear. Tubes may be warmed in a water bath or hot block to help dissolve
samples.
11.4.14.	If solids remain, add 5-mL 1.5M HC1 to each tube, cap and mix well,
centrifuge for 5 minutes and add the supernate to the sample solution.
Discard any residual solids.
11.4.15.	Proceed directly to the Ra method listed in step 1.1.3
11.4.16.	The following steps in the Ra-226 specific method listed in step 1.1.3 need to
modified slightly to handle the very high Ca levels in limestone samples
(Section 11.2):
11.4.16.1. Add a water slurry (or weigh out the solid resin) of cation resin
50WX8 (200-400 mesh) into each column equivalent to 8 g of
resin.
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11.4.16.2. Add 50 mL of 3MHC1 to each column at-1-2 mL/min. Discard
rinse.
12. Data Analysis and Calculations
12.1.	Equations for determination of final result, combined standard uncertainty, and
radiochemical yield (if required) are found in the corresponding chemical separation
and analysis methods, with the units being provided by the project manager.
12.2.	In cases where samples have elevated activity, smaller initial sample aliquants may be
taken from the original sample. Alternately, smaller aliquant volumes may be taken
from the final sample volume containing the dissolved precipitate (digestate).
Aliquants should be removed carefully and accurately from this final sample volume.
Note: Small aliquants taken from the final sample digestate for Sr and Ra analysis may be used
in the respective analytical procedures as is. Smaller aliquants for actinide analysis should be
diluted to a 15-mL total volume with 3M HN03 so that load solution acidity is maintained when
valence adjustment reagents are added.
For a single split, the effective size of sample is calculated:
Da
Wa=Ws~^	(Equation 1)
Where:

ws
= original sample size, in the units designated by the project manager (e.g.,

kg, g, etc.)
Ds
= mass or volume of the entire final digestate, (e.g., 20 mL, etc.).
Da
= mass or volume of the aliquant of digestate used for the individual

analyses, (e.g., 5.0 mL, etc.). Note that the values for Da must be in the

same units used in Ds.
Wa
= sample aliquant size, used for analysis, in the units designated by the

project manager (e.g., kg, g, etc.).
Note: For higher activity samples, additional dilution may be needed. In such cases, Equation 1
should be modified to reflect the number of splits and dilutions performed. It is also important to
measure the masses or volumes, used for aliquanting or dilution, to enough significant figures so
that their uncertainties have an insignificant impact on the final uncertainty budget. In cases
where the sample will not be split prior to analysis, the sample aliquant size is simply equal to the
original sample size, in the same units requested by the project manager.
13. Method Performance
13.1.	Method validation results are to be reported.
13.2.	Expected turnaround time per sample
13.2.1.	For a representative, finely ground 1-g aliquant of sample, the fusion steps
should add approximately lhour per batch to the time specified in the
individual chemical separation methods.
13.2.2.	The pre-concentration steps should add approximately 1 to 1.5 hours per
batch.
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Note: Processing times for the subsequent chemical separation methods are given in
those methods for batch preparations.
14.	Pollution Prevention
This method inherently produces no significant pollutants. The sample and fusion reagents
are retained in the final product and are carried into the ensuing chemical separation
techniques, which marginally increases the salt content of the effluent waste. It is noted that
if the sampled particulates include radionuclides that may be volatile under the fusion
conditions, these constituents will be exhausted through the fume hood system.
15.	Waste Management
15.1. Refer to the appropriate chemical separation methods for waste disposal information.
16.	References
Cited References
16.1.	EPA. 2014. Rapid Radiochemical Methodfor Americium-241 in Building Materials
for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents. Revision 1, EPA
402-R-14-007. Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC. Available at
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/riles/2015-06/documents/am-
241 in building materials rev 0 402rl4007.pdf.
16.2.	EPA. 2014. Rapid Radiochemical Methodfor Pu-238 and Pu-239/240 in Building
Materials for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents. Revision
1, EPA 402-R-14-006. Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC. Available at
https://www.epa.uov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/pu-238-
239 in building materials rev 0 402rl4006.pdf.
16.3.	EPA 2014. Improved Rapid Radiochemical Methodfor Radium-226 in Building
Materials for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents. Revision
1, EPA 402-R-14-002. Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC. Available at
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/documents/improved rapid ra-
226.pdf.
16.4.	EPA. 2014. Rapid Radiochemical Methodfor Total Radiostrontium (Sr-90) in
Building Materials for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents.
Revision 1, EPA 402-R-14-001. Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC.
Available at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-05/documents/sr-
90 in building materials rev 0 402rl4001 O.pdf.
16.5.	EPA. 2014. Rapid Radiochemical Methodfor Isotopic Uranium in Building Materials
for Environmental Remediation Following Radiological Incidents. Revision 1, EPA
402-R-14-005. Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC. Available at
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-
06/documents/u isotopes in building materials rev 0 402rl4005.pdf.
16.6.	EPA 2009. Method Validation Guide for Qualifying Methods Used by Radiological
Laboratories Participating in Incident Response Activities. Revision 0. Office of Air
and Radiation, Washington, DC. EPA 402-R-09-006, June. Available at
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Sodium Hydroxide Fusion of Limestone Matrices
http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-
05/documents/method validation final with web cover 6-24-09.pdf.
16.7.	EPA 2012. Radiological Sample Analysis Guide for Incident Response —
Radionuclides in Soil. Revision 0. Office of Air and Radiation, Washington, DC. EPA
402-R-12-006, September. Available at
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-05/documents/402-r-12-
006 soil guide sept 2012.pdf.
16.8.	EPA 2004. Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols Manual
(MARLAP). EPA 402-B-1304 04-001A, July. Volume I, Chapters 6, 7, 20, Glossary;
Volume II and Volume III, Appendix G. Available at
http://www2.epa.gov/radiation/multi-agencv-radiological-laboratory-analvtical-
protocols-manual-marlap.
16.9.	ASTM D1193, "Standard Specification for Reagent Water" ASTM Book of Standards
11.01, current version, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.
Other References
16.10.Maxwell,	S., Culligan, B. andNoyes, G. 2010. Rapid method for actinides in
emergency soil samples, Radiochimica Acta. 98(12): 793-800.
16.11.Maxwell,	S., Culligan, B., Kelsey-Wall, A. and Shaw, P. 2011. "Rapid Radiochemical
Method for Actinides in Emergency Concrete and Brick Samples," Analytica Chimica
Acta. 701(1): 112-8.
16.12.Maxwell,	S, Culligan, B. Hutchison, J and Sudowe, R. Rapid Fusion Method for
Actinides and Sr-89/90 in Limestone and Marble samples, Journal of Radioanalytical
and Nuclear Chemistry, October 2016, Volume 310, Issue 1, pp 377-388.
16.13.U.S.	Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2010. Rapid Radiochemical Methods
for Selected Radionuclides in Water for Environmental Restoration Following
Homeland Security Events, Office of Air and Radiation. EPA 402-R-10-001, February.
Revision 0.1 of rapid methods issued October 2011. Available at
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm'?subiect=Homeland°o2520Securit
y%2520Re search&dirEntrvld=213365.
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Sodium Hydroxide Fusion of Limestone Matrices
17. Tables, Diagrams, and Flow Chart
Note: The following flowcharts and timelines address processes as they apply specifically to limestone
matrices as described in this method. The approach and timeline may deviate from information provided in
Section 17 of the corresponding Building Materials Methods (references 16.1 - 16.5).
17.1. Fusion Flow Chart
Rapid Fusion and Preparation of
Limestone Samples for Precipitation and Analysis
Continued on appropriate
procedure chart
Actinide
Precipitation
Procedure
Carbonate
Precipitation
for Ra Procedure
Phosphate/Fluoride
Precipitation
for Sr Procedure
Rapid Fusion (Step 11.1)
1.	Add limestone sample to 250-mLZr crucible (11.1.2).
2.	Add proper amount of tracers/carriers (11.1.3)
3.	Dry on hot plate on medium heat (11.1.4).
4.	Add 10-15 g NaOH pellets to crucible (11.1.5).
5.	Heat ~15 min at 600 °C (11.1.6-11.1.7).
6.	Remove from furnace and allow to cool in hood (11.1.8).
Prepare for precipitations (Step 11.1.9)
1.	Add ~ 25-50 mL water to each crucibles ~8-10 minutes after
removal from furnace (11.1.9).
2.	Warm on hotplate to dissolve/loosen solids (11.1.9).
3.	If necessary, add more water and warm as needed on hot
plate (11.1.10).
4.	Fusion solution is ready for actinide or Ra/Sr precipitations
(11.2-11.4).
Elapsed Time
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17.2. Actinide Precipitation Flow Chart
Actinide Precipitation Procedure
Continued from 17.1 Fusion Flow Chart
Elapsed Time
VA hours
1.	Add Fe and La to each tube (11.2.1-11.2.2).
2.	Add 10 mL 3M HN03 and heat until hot. Transfer to 225-mL tube (11.2.4)
3.	Dilute to ~160 mL with water (11.2.5).
4.	Add 20 mL concentrated HCI to each tube and swirl to mix (11.2.6).
5.	Cool to room temperature in ice bath (11.2.7).
6.	Add 4 mL 3.2M (NH4)2HP04 to each tube. Cap and mix (11.2.8).
7.	Add 4 mL 20 wt% TiCI3 to each tube. Cap and mix (11.2.9).
8.	Cool in ice bath for ~10 min (11.2.10).
9.	Centrifuge for 6 min and pour off supernate (11.2.11-11.2.12).
10.	Redissolve in 1.5M HCI to total volume of ~80mL Cap and shake.
(11.2.13-11.2.14).
11.	Dilute to ~170 mL with 0.01M HCI. Add La (11.2.15-11.2.16).
12.	Add 2.5 mL 20 wt% TiCI3, ~10mL HF and allow to stand for lOmin
(11.2.16-11.2.19).
13.	Centrifuge for 5-10 min and pour off supernate (11.2.20-11.2.21).
14.	Redissolve in 7 mL 3M HNO3-0.25M H3B03 + 6 mL 7M HN03 + 7 mL 2M
AI(N03)3 + 3 mL 3M HN03, warming to dissolve in 50-mL centrifuge
tubes (11.2.22-11.2.26).
15.	If samples do not clear up, add 5mL 3M HN03 and mix again (11.2.27).
16.	Remove from water bath and allow to cool to room temperature.
Centrifuge to remove trace solids and transfer to beakers or tubes for
processing (11.2.28-11.2.29).
17.	Analyze sample solutions for specific actinides using rapid methods for
specific actinides in building materials (11.2.30).
3 hours
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17.3. Strontium Precipitation Flow Chart
Ca3(P04)2 / CaF2 Precipitation Procedure for Sr
Continued from Fusion Flow Chart Step 17.1
v
1.	Add 10 mL 3 M HN03 and heat until hot. Transfer to 225-mL tube
(11.3.2)
2.	Dilute to ~180 mL with water (11.3.3).
3.	Cool tubes to room temperature in ice bath (11.3.4).
4.	Pipet 1 mL 50 mg/mL iron carrier, and 7 mL 3.2M (NH4)2HP04 to each
tube. Cap and mix well (11.3.5-11.3.6).
5.	Cool tubes to 5 to 10 min in ice bath (11.3.7).
6.	Centrifuge for 6 min and pour off supernate (11.3.8-11.3.9).
7.	Redissolve in ~80 mL 1.5M HCI. Cap and mix well. (11.3.10-11.3.11).
8.	Dilute to ~170 mL with 0.01M HCI (11.3.12).
9.	Add 20 mL concentrated HF and wait 5-10 min (11.3.13-11.3.14).
10.	Centrifuge for ~6 min and pour off supernate (11.3.15-11.3.16).
11.	Redissolve in 7 mL 3M HNO3-0.25M H3B03 + 7 mL concentrated
HN03 +7 mL 2M AI(N03)3 + 7 mL 3M HN03. Transfer to 50-mL tube
(11.3.17-11.3.20).
12.	Cap and mix using vortex stirrer or by shaking (11.3.20).
13.	Centrifuge for 5 min and discard trace solids. Transfer solutions to
new tubes or beakers. (11.3.21-11.3.22).
14.	Analyze sample solutions for 90Sr using 90Sr method for building
materials. (11.3.24)
Elapsed Time
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17.4. Radium Precipitation Flow Chart
Carbonate Precipitation for Radium Procedure
Continued from Fusion Flow Chart Step 17.1
	\J/
1.	Dilute to 150 mL with water. Add 10 mL concentrated HCI. Cap and
mix (11.4.2-11.4.4).
2.	Add 10 mL 2M Na2C03 to each tube. Cap and mix (11.4.5-11.4.6).
3.	Allow to stand 10 min (11.4.7).
4.	Centrifuge for 6 min and pour off supernate (11.4.8-11.4.9).
5.	Redissolve in 10 mL 1.5 M HCI (11.4.10).
6.	Transfer to 50-mL centrifuge tubes (11.4.11).
7.	Rinse 225-mL tube with 10 mL 1.5M HCI and transfer to 50-mL
tube. Cap and mix using vortex stirrer or by shaking (11.4.12-
11.4.13).
8.	If solids remain, add 5 mL 1.5M HCL, cap and mix. Centrifuge for 5
min and discard trace solids (11.4.14).
9.	Analyze sample solutions for 226Ra using 226Ra method for building
materials (11.4.15)
^ t
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Appendix A:
Rapid Technique for Milling and Homogenizing Limestone Samples
A1. Scope and Application
A1.1. Limestone samples may be received as core samples, chunks or crushed pieces. The
goal is to obtain representative sample aliquants from homogeneous amounts of
sample. Significant effort should be applied to ensure representative sampling of
the limestone materials.
A1.2. This method describes one approach for the rapid, gross preparation of limestone
samples to yield representative 0.75-1.5 g aliquant for radiochemical analysis of
non-volatile radionuclides. The method addresses steps for splitting, and milling of
50-1000-g limestone samples. The limestone sample must be reduced to pieces or
fragments less than -25 mm in diameter prior to using the ball mill. This can be
done with a hydraulic press or mallet. A mortar grinder may be needed to reduce
the particle size if a mallet or hammer will not crush the particles to a fine enough
size.
A1.3. The method is designed to be used as a preparatory step for the attached methods
241 238
for furnace heating and fusion of limestone for measurement of Am, Pu,
239/240pu, y 90gr^ an(j 226^ may a|s0 be applied to other matrices whose physical
form is amenable to pulverization.
A1.4. If the levels of activity in the sample are low enough to permit safe radiological
operations, up to 1 kg of limestone can be processed.
A2. Summary of Methods
A2.1. This method uses disposable equipment or materials to contact the sample,
minimizing the risk of contamination and cross-contamination and eliminating
concerns about adequate cleaning of equipment.
A2.2. The entire sample as received (after reducing fragment size to less than -25 mm
diameter) is split by coning and quartering until -75-150 mL of the limestone is
available for subsequent processing. If less than -450 mL of limestone is received,
the entire sample is processed without splitting.
Note: Large chunks of limestone will require initial crushing prior to coning and quartering.
A2.3. The limestone is transferred to a hydraulic press and crushed. A ball mill approach
with disposable paint cans (or equivalent) is used to mill the samples into fine
particles.
A2.4. Other milling apparatus, such as lab pulverizers/crushers, also may be used to mill
the limestone sample to finely ground, well-homogenized, particles. In this case,
effort must be made to ensure no sample carry-over effects occur between the
processing of individual samples.
A2.5. Additional replicate analyses may also be performed to provide further assurance
that analytical results are representative of limestone samples received.
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A3. Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms
A3.1. Discrete Radioactive Particles (DRPs or "hot particles"). Particulate matter in a
sample of any matrix where a high concentration of radioactive material is
contained in a tiny particle (|iin range).
A3.2. Multi-Agency Radiological Analytical Laboratory Protocols (MARLAP) Manual
(Reference A16.1).
A4. Interferences
A4.1. Radiological Interferences
A4.1.1. Coning and quartering provides a mechanism for rapidly decreasing the
overall size of the sample that must be processed while optimizing the
representativeness of the sub sampling process. By decreasing the time and
effort needed to prepare the sample for subsequent processing, sample
throughput can be significantly improved.
A4.1.2. Openly handling large amounts of highly contaminated materials,
however, even within the containment provided by a fume hood, may pose
an unacceptable risk of inhalation of airborne contamination and exposure
to laboratory personnel from radioactive or other hazardous materials.
Similarly, it may unacceptably increase the risk of contamination of the
laboratory. In such cases, coning and quartering process may be
eliminated in lieu of processing the entire sample.
A4.1.3. The precise particle size of the milled sample is not critical to subsequent
processes. However, milling the sample to smaller particle sizes, and
thorough mixing, both facilitate representative subsampling by minimizing
the amount of sample that is not pulverized to fine mesh and must be
discarded. Additionally, subsequent fusion and digestion processes are
more effective when performed on more finely milled samples.
A4.1.4. This method assumes that radioactivity in the sample is primarily adsorbed
onto the surface of particles, as opposed to being present as a hot particle
(see discussion of DRPs below). Thus, nearly all of the activity in a
sample will be associated with sample fines. By visually comparing the
sample to a qualitative standard of-50-100 mesh size particles, it is
possible to rapidly determine whether the sample is fine enough to
facilitate the subsequent fusion or digestion. This method assumes that
when greater than 95% of the sample is as fine or finer than the 50-100
mesh standard, bias imparted from losses of larger particles will be
minimal.
A4.1.5. If the sample was collected near the epicenter of a radiological dispersal
device (RDD) or improvised nuclear device (IND) explosion, it may
contain millimeter (mm)- to micrometer (|im)-sized particles of
contaminant referred to as DRPs. DRPs may consist of small pieces of the
original radioactive source and thus may have very high specific activity.
They may also consist of chemically intractable material and present
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special challenges in the analytical process. Even when the size is reduced
to less than 50-100 mesh, these particles may resist fusion or digestion of
the solids into ionic form that can be subjected to chemical separations.
A4.1.6. When DRPs are present, this method isolates larger particles by passing
the sample through a disposable 50-mesh screen after which they can be
reliably checked for radioactivity. DRPs may reliably be identified by
their very high specific activity which is readily detectable since they
show high count rates using hand-held survey equipment such as a thin-
window Geiger-Muller (G-M) probe.
A4.1.7. When present, DRPs may be further milled and then recombined with the
original sample. Alternatively, the particles, or the entire sample may need
to be processed using a different method capable of completely
solubilizing the contaminants such that the radionuclides they contain are
available for subsequent chemical separation.
A5. Safety
A5.1. General
A5.1.1. Refer to your laboratory' s safety manual for concerns of contamination
control, personal exposure monitoring, and radiation dose monitoring.
A5.1.2. Refer to your laboratory' s chemical hygiene plan (or equivalent) for
general safety rules regarding chemicals in the workplace.
A5.2. Radiological
A5.2.1. Refer to your radiation safety manual for direction on working with
known or suspected radioactive materials.
A5.2.2. This method has the potential to generate airborne radioactive
contamination. The process should be carefully evaluated to ensure that
airborne contamination is maintained at acceptable levels. This should
take into account the activity level, and physical and chemical form of
contaminants possibly present, as well as other engineering and
administrative controls available.
A5.2.3. Discrete Radioactive Particles (DRPs or hot particles)
A5.2.3.1. Hot particles will usually be small, on the order of 1 mm or
less. Typically, DRPs are not evenly distributed in the
media, and their radiation emissions are not uniform in all
directions (anisotropic).
A5.3. Method-Specific Non-Radiological Hazards
A5.3.1. This method employs a hydraulic press and/or paint can shaker should.
The method and equipment should be evaluated for personnel hazards
associated with the crushing process.
A6. Equipment and supplies
A6.1. Aluminum foil loaf pans, disposable.
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A6.2. Balance, top-loading, range to accommodate sample size encountered, readability to
±1%.
A6.3. Butcher paper or equivalent.
A6.4. Drying oven, at 110±10 °C.
A6.5. Disposable wire cloth - nominal 48 mesh size (-300 (j,m).
A6.6. Disposable sieves, U.S. Series No. 50 (300 [^m or 48 mesh) and U.S. Series No. 100
(150 [j,m or 100 mesh).
A6.7. Hydraulic press.
A6.8. Disposable scoop, scraper, tongue depressor or equivalent.
A6.9. Red Devil 5400 mechanical paint shaker or equivalent.
A6.10. Steel paint cans and lids (pint, quart, 2 quart, 1 gallon, as needed).
A6.11. Steel or ceramic grinding balls or rods for ball milling, ~15-25-mm diameter. The
size and number of grinding media used should be optimized to suit the types of
limestone pieces, the size of the can, and the volume of limestone processed.
A6.12. Mallet or hammer.
A7. Reagents and Standards
No reagents needed.
A8. Sample Collection, Preservation and Storage
A8.1. Samples should be collected in appropriately sized plastic, metal or glass
containers.
A8.2. Solid sample volumes equivalent to approximately 500 mL of sample will require
two splits to obtain a -100 mL sample.
A9. Quality Control
A9.1. Batch quality control results shall be evaluated and meet applicable analytical
protocol specifications (APSs) prior to release of unqualified data. In the absence of
project-defined APS or a project-specific quality assurance project plan (QAPP),
the quality control sample acceptance criteria defined in the laboratory quality
manual and procedures shall be used to determine acceptable performance for this
method.
A9.2. Quality control samples should be initiated as early in the process as possible. Since
the risk of cross-contamination using this process is relatively low, initiating blanks
and laboratory control samples at the start of the chemical separation process is
acceptable. If sufficient sample is available, a duplicate sample should be prepared
from the two discarded quarters of the final split of the coning and quartering
procedure.
A10. Procedure
Note: This method ensures that only disposable equipment or materials come in contact with sample
materials to minimize the risk of sample cross-contamination and concerns about adequate cleaning of
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equipment. Under certain circumstances, such as disposable equipment not being available; careful,
thorough cleaning of the equipment with water and then ethanol may be an option.
A10.1. Estimate the total volume of sample, as received.
Note: Limestone samples typically do not contain large amounts of moisture. Large chunks of
limestone will require crushing prior to coning and quartering. The next step uses absorbent
paper in the reverse fashion from the normal use of this type of paper; it allows for a smooth
division of the sample and control of contamination.
A10.1.1. Spread a large piece of plastic in a hood (or alternate paper material which
can be discarded to waste later).
A10.1.2. If the limestone sample is received with chunks that are too large to cone
and quarter, crush the larger pieces to manageable size using a hydraulic
press.
A10.1.2.1. Wrap limestone pieces in butcher paper and place in small
disposable aluminum foil pan. Place another aluminum foil
pan on top of wrapped limestone sample.
A10.1.2.2. Crush sample between the aluminum foil pans using a
hydraulic press.
A10.1.2.3. Break crushed pieces into smaller pieces for coning and
quartering. A hammer or mallet can be used to crush further,
if needed.
A10.1.2.4. Unwrap crushed limestone and break apart into smaller
pieces for coning and quartering, then ball milling. A mortar
grinder may be needed to reduce the size of hard limestone
rock particles further.
A10.1.3. If the sample volume is less than -450 mL, there is no benefit to coning
and quartering (Reference A16.1).
A10.1.3.1. Carefully pour the sample onto the paper.
A10.1.4. If the sample volume is greater than -450 mL, carefully pour the entire
sample into a cone onto the paper.
A10.1.5. The sample is split at least twice using the coning and quartering steps that
follow.
Note: Unused quarters are considered representative of the original sample and
may be reserved for additional testing.
A10.1.5.1. Spread the material into a flat circular cake of limestone
using a tongue depressor or other suitable disposable
implement. Divide the cake radially and return two opposing
quarters to the original sample container.
A10.1.5.2. Reshape the remaining two quarters into a smaller cone, and
repeat Step A10.1.5.1 until the total volume of the remaining
material is approximately 100-150 mL.
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A10.1.6. Transfer the coned and quartered limestone sample to a tared, labeled 1-
pint paint can. If the initial total volume (Step A10.1.3) was less than -450
mL, transfer the entire sample to a tared, labeled 1-quart paint can.
A10.2. Place the can (without lid) in an oven at 110±10 °C and dry the limestone to
constant mass.
Note: Limestone samples may be dry enough such that heating prior to homogenizing the
sample is not required.
A10.3. Weigh the combined mass of the can, sample, and lid. If the percent solids are
required see Section A12.1 calculations. Remove can from oven. Allow to cool.
A10.4. Add two to five 1.5-2.5-centimeter (cm) stainless-steel or ceramic balls to the can.
Replace the lid and seal well.
A10.5. Shake the can and contents for 5 minutes, or longer, as needed to produce a finely-
milled, well-homogenized, sample.
Note: Although the precise particle size of the milled sample is not critical, complete
pulverization and fine particle size facilitates representative subsampling and subsequent
fusion or digestion processes. A qualitative standard can be prepared by passing quartz sand
or other milled material through a 50-mesh and then a 100-mesh screen. The portion of the
sample retained in the 100 mesh screen can be used as a qualitative visual standard to
determine if samples have been adequately pulverized.
A10.6. Visually compare the resulting milled sample to a qualitative 50-100 mesh
pulverized sample (-150-300 [j,m or 50-100 mesh using the Tyler screen scale).
The process is complete once 95% of the sample (or greater) is as fine, or finer,
than the qualitative standard. If, by visual estimation, more than -5% of total
volume of the particles in the sample appear to be larger than the particle size in the
standard, return the sample to the shaker and continue milling until the process is
complete.
A10.7. Following milling, a small fraction of residual larger particles may remain in the
sample.
Note: The following steps offer guidance that may be used if larger-particle DRPs are
encountered. The goal is to crush and mill and homogenize the limestone samples in a way that
allows representative aliquants to be taken for analysis. This guidance may be modified as
needed by the incident commander.
A10.7.1. If the sample was collected close to the epicenter of an RDD or IND
explosion, it may also contain particles of contaminant referred to as
DRPs. In such a case, the larger particles should be isolated by passing
through a disposable 50 mesh screen and checked for radioactivity. DRPs
are readily identified by their very high specific activity which is
detectable using hand-held survey equipment such as a thin-window G-M
probe held within an inch of the particles.
A10.7.1.1. If radioactivity is clearly detected, the sieved material is
returned to the can and ball milled until the desired mesh is
obtained. In some cases, these materials may be resistant to
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further pulverization and may need to be processed according
to a method specially designed to address highly intractable
solids.
A10.7.1.2. If the presence of DRPs is of no concern (no high activities
detected for specific particles), the larger particles need not
be included in subsequent subsamples taken for analysis. It
may be possible to easily avoid including them during
aliquanting with a disposable scoop. If not, however, they
should be removed by sieving through a nominal 50 mesh
screen (disposable) prior to further subsampling for
subsequent analyses.
A10.8. Sample fines may be stored in, and aliquanted directly from, the container used for
pulverization, if the paint can ball mill approach was used.
All. Calibration and Standardization
A11.1. Balances used shall be calibrated using National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST)-traceable weights according to the process defined by the
laboratory's quality manual.
A12. Data Analysis and Calculations
Note: Limestone samples may be dry enough such that heating prior to homogenizing the sample is
not required. Heating to a constant mass may be difficult due to the presence of volatile organics.
A12.1. The percent solids (dry-to-as-received mass ratio) for each sample is calculated
from data obtained during the preparation of the sample as follows:
% Solids = -^2—x 100
M„„„ - M,
tare
Where:
Mdry =	mass of dry sample + labeled can + lid (g)
Mtare =	tare mass of labeled can + lid (g)
Mas rec, =	mass of sample as received + labeled can + lid (g)
A12.2. If requested, convert the equivalent mass of sample, as received, to dry mass. Dry
mass is calculated from a measurement of the total as received mass of the sample
received as follows:
^ _ , _ . , , ,	% Solids
Dry Sample Equivalent = Mtotal_asrec x———
Where:
Mtotai-as rec. = total mass of sample, as received (g)
A12.3. Results Reporting
A12.3.1. The result for percent solids and the approximate total mass of sample as
received should be reported for each result.
A13. Method Performance
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A13.1. Results of method validation performance are to be archived and available for
reporting purposes.
A13.2. Expected turnaround time for these sample preparation steps is about 3 hours for
an individual sample and about 4 hours per batch.
A14. Pollution Prevention.
Not applicable
A15. Waste Management
A15.1. All radioactive and other regulated wastes shall be handled according to prevailing
regulations.
A16. References
A16.1. EPA 2004. Multi-Agency Radiological Laboratory Analytical Protocols Manual
(MARLAP). EPA 402-B-1304 04-001 A, July. Volume I, Chapters 6, 7, 20,
Glossary; Volume II and Volume III, Appendix G. Available at
http://www2.epa.gov/radiation/multi-agencv-radiological-laboratory-analvtical-
protocols-manual-marlap.
A16.2. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). 1997. Compendium
of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book"). Compiled by A. D.
McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. XML on-
line corrected version: http://goldbook.iupac.org/C01265.html. (2006) created by
M. Nic, J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. Last update: 2010-12-
22.
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