Evaluation of uncertainty components associated with alpha-particle spectrometric measurements of uranium isotopes in water

Seferinoglu M., Dirican A., ERDEN P. E., Ercin D.

APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES, vol.94, pp.355-362, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 94
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2014.09.002
  • Journal Name: APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.355-362
  • Keywords: Measurement uncertainty, Alpha-particle spectrometry, Radiochemical separation, Uranium in water, HALF-LIVES, SAMPLES, U-234
  • Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Qualifications of uncertainties associated with the measurement of specific activity concentration of uranium radioisotope (U-238) in water samples by alpha-particle spectrometry are presented. Possible sources of uncertainty are identified and quantified in the activity concentration measurements of U-238 isotope; the major source being the statistical counting uncertainty as expected. The combined relative standard uncertainty U(a(238U)) of the measurement was calculated as 1.4 Bq kg(-1) (7.9%) for the investigated NPL sample. The accuracy and precision of recommended procedure were checked analysing six spiked water samples supplied from IAEA-proficiency test exercises. The results were evaluated in terms of relative bias, z-score, u-score, trueness and precision. These results show that the activity values and their uncertainties are in good agreement with recommended values. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.