Determination of alpha-radioactivity in ground water by precipitation of alpha-emitters with sulphates and hydroxides

A new screening method is proposed for the determination of alpha-radioactivity in ground water. Natural alpha-emitters of Po, Ra, Th and U are precipitated from solution with sulphuric acid and ammonia. Ba2+ and Fe2+ are used as carriers. The overall yield for all emitters is greater than 80%. This method is faster than the evaporation technique, less dependent on the water composition and a better sensitivity can be achieved by using a large volume sample.