Rapid Radiochemical Methods for Asphalt Paving Material and Asphalt Shingles Matrices for Use during Environmental Remediation and Recovery
Citation:
U.S. EPA. Rapid Radiochemical Methods for Asphalt Paving Material and Asphalt Shingles Matrices for Use during Environmental Remediation and Recovery . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/S-16/257, 2016.
Impact/Purpose:
There is a need for validated analysis methods for radiologically contaminated building materials and to facilitate increased laboratory capacity in response to a radiological/nuclear contamination incident. Validated rapid radiochemical methods for alpha and beta emitters in solid matrices that are commonly encountered in urban environments were previously unavailable for public use by responding laboratories. A lack of tested rapid methods would delay the quick determination of contamination levels and the assessment of acceptable site-specific exposure levels. The research focused on methods that address preparation, radiochemical separation, and analysis of asphalt paving materials and asphalt roofing shingles which are difficult to prepare and analyze. These laboratory ready methods will enable multiple laboratories to analyze building material samples after a radiological contamination incident in support of EPA’s clean-up activities. Using multiple laboratories will address the capacity issue faced after an incident. The methods have been designed for use by radioanalytical laboratories and the Environment Response Laboratory Network.
Description:
Technical Brief