ASTM C1109-10R15 - Standard Practice for Analysis of Aqueous Leachates from Nuclear Waste Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

1.1 This practice is applicable to the determination of low concentration and trace elements in aqueous leachate solutions produced by the leaching of nuclear waste materials, using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

1.2 The nuclear waste material may be a simulated (non-radioactive) solid waste form or an actual solid radioactive waste material.

1.3 The leachate may be deionized water or any natural or simulated leachate solution containing less than 1 % total dissolved solids.

1.4 This practice should be used by analysts experienced in the use of ICP-AES, the interpretation of spectral and non-spectral interferences, and procedures for their correction.

1.5 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-AES instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model.

1.6 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of the method.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.