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1.1 This practice covers the preparation of surface soil samples collected for analysis of radionuclide constituents, particularly uranium and plutonium. This practice describes one acceptable approach to the preparation of soil samples for radiochemical analysis.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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. A specific hazard statement is given in 7.3.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 Soil samples prepared for radionuclide analyses by this practice can be used to characterize radionuclide constituents. This practice is intended to produce a homogeneous sample from which smaller aliquots may be drawn for radionuclide characterization.

5.2 Many soil characterization plans for radionuclide constituents utilize gamma-ray spectrometry measurements of soil to quantify a number of possible gamma emitting analytes. A widely used practice for these measurements is to fill a calibrated sample container, such as a Marinelli beaker (∼600-mL volume), with a homogenized soil sample for counting such as what may be done using Guide C1402. By preparing the entire soil core collection, sufficient homogeneous sample is available for such gamma-ray spectrometry and other radiochemical measurements.