Radioisotope Analysis and Radiochemical Analysis

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Radiological Testing and Analysis of Radiological Parameters

SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories offers unique capabilities in radiochemical analysis and radiological analysis. SRC Analytical performs specific radiological tests for various radionuclides.

Contact SRC Analytical today to discuss your radiological testing and analysis requirements.

Email: analytical@src.sk.ca

Phone: (Toll Free) 1-800-240-8808 or 1-306-933-6932

Radiological Parameters in Drinking Water
SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories tests drinking water for radioisotopes to verify compliance with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.  Water samples may be screened initially for radioactivity by measuring Gross Alpha and Beta activity.  Compliance with the drinking water guidelines may be inferred if measurements for gross alpha and beta activity are less than 0.1 Bq/L and 1 Bq/L respectively.  If the measurements exceed the limits, additional radiological testing for natural and manmade iosopes such as Cesium 137, Iodine 131, Lead 210, Radium 226 and Strontium 90, as listed in the guideline may be required and can be carried out by SRC Analytical.

Environmental Radiochemical Analysis
SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories offers a comprehensive range of radiochemical testing services to assist customers in carrying out their environmental programs and ensuring that regulatory obligations are being fulfilled.  Radiochemical tests include Uranium, Radium 226, Thorium isotopes, Lead 210, Polonium 210 and other natural radionuclides.  These radiochemical tests are conducted on a wide variety of sample types including water, soil, sediment, vegetation, biological tissue, airborne particulates, tailings and waste rock.

Radiological Testing and Analysis of Agricultural Products for Export
Many countries have guidelines for radioactive isotopes in agricultural products.  SRC Analytical conducts radiological testing for a wide range of isotopes including Cadmium 109, Cerium 144, Cesium 137, Cesium 134, Iodine 131, Manganese 54, Ruthenium 103 and Tin 113.  Other radioactivity tests include gross alpha, gross beta and gamma spectroscopy.  Products tested for radioactivity include all types of grains, seeds and plants.

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
NORM is found naturally almost everywhere in low concentrations.  NORM can be transported along with gas and petroleum and concentrate in pipe scale and waste products.  As such, NORM causes concerns in transportation, handling and disposal.  SRC Analytical carries out the radiological analysis to determine whether materials meet the Unconditional Release Limits (URL) for the isotopes regulated under the NORM guidelines.  These isotopes include the Uranium 238 series, Thorium 230, Radium 226, Lead 210, Thorium 232, Radium 228, Thorium 228, and Potassium 40.

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)
SLOWPOKE II is a miniature nuclear reactor housed at SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories.  SLOWPOKE II is used as an analytical tool for doing NAA.  NAA is used for the analysis of numerous elements including uranium and total and extractable organic halides (TOX/EOX).

Radon in Indoor Air
Radon is a radioactive gas formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water.  When radon enters an enclosed space, such as a home, it can sometimes accumulate to levels high enough to cause a long term health risk.  SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories supplies charcoal adsorption canisters for radon testing, which are exposed for 48 hours, after which the average air concentration of radon 222 is determined.

Testing Water for Radon
Measurable radon concentrations in ground water can be used as an indication of nearby uranium deposits.  Small water samples are collected and returned to SRC Analytical for sensitive liquid scintillation counting.

Special Radioactivity Measurements
SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories has the capability of carrying out specialized radioactivity testing such as Gamma Spectroscopy, Alpha Spectroscopy, Radon Emanation Rates, Radon Fractional Release Measurements, Kd studies and Equilibrium between Uranium and its Progenies.  Also, SRC Environmental Analytical Laboratories is approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Committee (CNSC) for leak testing services of sealed radioactive sources.

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