ISO 13160:2012 specifes the test methods and their associated principles for the measurement of the activity of 90 Sr in equilibrium with 90 Y, and 89 Sr, pure beta-emitting radionuclides, in water samples.Different chemical separation methods are presented to produce strontium and yttrium sources, the activity of which is determined using a proportional counter (PC) or liquid scintillation counter (LSC). The selection of the test method depends on the origin of the contamination, the characteristics of the water to be analysed, the required accuracy of test results and the available resources of the laboratories.
These test methods are used for water monitoring following, past or present, accidental or routine, liquid or gaseous discharges. It also covers the monitoring of contamination caused by global fallout.
