Radionuclide Analysis Service

The Radionuclide Laboratory at Black Mountain, Canberra, provides state-of-the-art facilities for the measurement of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soils, sediments and waters. High-resolution gamma and alpha spectrometry are used and provide radionuclide data for analytical and research support within CSIRO and other agencies. CSIRO Land and Water mostly applies the results to determine modern sediment chronology of sediment cores (²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs dating) and to sediment sourcing (erosion) studies. Hancock G and Pietsch T. Sediment tracing and dating techniques employed at CSIRO Land and Water, CSIRO Land and Water Science Report 64/08, April 2008.

Many of these techniques have been developed at this division, are well-established and used world-wide. Enquiries are welcome from both within CSIRO and commercially from Universities, mining companies or any other external source.

Gamma-ray spectrometry

Eight high-purity germanium detectors are employed, six coplanar and two well detectors for smaller sample masses. All detectors are shielded by 100mm of aged lead and operate cryogenically using liquid nitrogen.

For each Gamma analysis a sample mass of about 140 g of soil or sediment is ideal although we can produce results with less than 5 grams.

For each sample a report on the activity and uncertainty are routinely provided for ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ²¹⁰Pb excess, ²²⁸Ra, ²²⁸Th, ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁷Be.

Material should be supplied in a dried form. Our labs grind the material and press it into special purpose sealed containers for counting. All material is reclaimable after counting.

For ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra and ²¹⁰Pb excess an ingrowth period of 23 days is normally required after a sample is prepared before counting takes place.

Costs:

• $380 GST exclusive per sample
• $330 GST exclusive per sample for pre-ground material
• $100 extra GST exclusive per sample for particle sizing of material

Alpha-particle spectrometry

We currently operate eight Alpha particle spectrometers. The following table list all radionuclides possible for analysis:

Note: If a full suite of naturally-occurring nuclides is required (U, Th, Ra, Po) the total cost is $800, GST exclusive.

Typical limits of detection for these radionuclides are around 0.03-0.04 mBq/g.

Solid samples are digested with acid and the radio-elements of interest are chemically separated using ion-exchange and solvent extraction techniques. The isotopes in the final purified solution are transferred onto a metal disc for counting. The chemical yield is determined using a tracer isotope added prior to chemical separation. For most elements less than 1g of material per element is required. Plutonium may require up to 20-30g.

History, reputation and quality assurance

The Black Mountain Radionuclide service has been operating for almost two decades with a throughput averaging about 500 gamma analyses per year. During that time the laboratory has regularly participated in international intercomparison exercises with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the results consistently demonstrate that we are one of the leading radionuclide laboratories world-wide.

We strive for quality at all times and undertake a program of quality checking and calibration of the spectrometers. Calibrations are performed using certified materials from reputable suppliers and verified against reference materials supplied by the IAEA.  

Our service

For each sample, a full analytical report listing activities and uncertainties is provided to the client. Samples should be delivered dried in sealed plastic bags or containers. For gamma spectrometry the sample material may be returned to the client upon request. Turnaround time is usually 4-6 weeks for most analyses.

Contact

For further information contact:
Christopher Leslie 02 6246 5713  
Gary Hancock 02 6246 5739                                                                 

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