Max. concentration of radioactive particles in water

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the maximum concentration of radioactive isotopes Cs-137 and Sr-90 in water. Participants suggest using a gamma spectrometer for activity measurement or conducting an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) test after precipitating the water. There is a clarification that the solubility of salts like CsCl affects the concentration of these isotopes, rather than the isotopes themselves. The solubility constants for compounds like CsOH or Sr(OH)2 are also relevant, with distinctions made between freshwater and seawater conditions. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexity of measuring and understanding the solubility and concentration of these radioactive particles in various water types.
winnie_t
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Hi,

does anyone know how I can find out the max. concentration of Cs-137 and Sr-90 in water?
 
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winnie_t said:
Hi,

does anyone know how I can find out the max. concentration of Cs-137 and Sr-90 in water?
One could use a gamma spectrometer to measure the activity of a sample, then compare to a prepared calibration standard. Or one could take a sample, remove the water, measure the mass of the precipitate and the activity, and perhaps used an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission test to determine the amount of Cs and/or Sr.
 
Astronuc said:
One could use a gamma spectrometer to measure the activity of a sample, then compare to a prepared calibration standard. Or one could take a sample, remove the water, measure the mass of the precipitate and the activity, and perhaps used an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission test to determine the amount of Cs and/or Sr.

but wouldn't there be a standard max. concentration at which point no more Cs or Sr can dissolve in water? Is this not some data I can find rather to calculate if I don't have to opportunity for an experiment?
 
winnie_t said:
but wouldn't there be a standard max. concentration at which point no more Cs or Sr can dissolve in water?

Depends on salt. Example

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CsCl
"Solubility in water 1865 g/L"

(you could find it yourself).

You asked "does anyone know how I can find out the max. concentration of Cs-137 and Sr-90 in water?" - IOW, you asked specifically about Cs-137, not caesium in general.

Long before a salt solution with Cs-137 (say CsCl) start approaching saturation, it will be radiating millions of rem/h of gamma.
 
nikkkom said:
Depends on salt. Example

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CsCl
"Solubility in water 1865 g/L"

(you could find it yourself).

You asked "does anyone know how I can find out the max. concentration of Cs-137 and Sr-90 in water?" - IOW, you asked specifically about Cs-137, not caesium in general.

Long before a salt solution with Cs-137 (say CsCl) start approaching saturation, it will be radiating millions of rem/h of gamma.

Thanks nikkkom, I've completely missed out that its the salt dissolving in water rather than the isotope itself.
 
winnie_t said:
but wouldn't there be a standard max. concentration at which point no more Cs or Sr can dissolve in water? Is this not some data I can find rather to calculate if I don't have to opportunity for an experiment?
Well is this about dissolved or particles. Assuming it's of elemental origin, one would probably use the solubility constant for CsOH or Sr(OH)2. But then is one referring to seawater or freshwater, and there could be other compounds that enhance or hinder solution. Also, Cs and Sr are likely deposited on dust or other solid material.

According to this article, Cs is highly soluble in seawater.
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2012/03/26/1120794109.full.pdf
 
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