QUICK DETERMINATION OF 210Pb IN DRINKING AND WASTE WATERS

ABSTRACT. A new method for the determination of 210Pb in water is described. It is based on the extraction of 210Bi at sec-ular equilibrium with parent 210Pb by an extractive scintillation cocktail containing tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO). A previous precipitation of Pb and Bi sulfides is accomplished as a purification and concentration to increase the sensitivity of the method. The sample is ready for counting within 1 day and the minimum detectable activity (MDA) is around 10 mBq/kg. A simultaneous rough determination of 210Po is also possible