1 Scope
This document specifies the determination of nickel-59 and nickel-63 (59Ni and 63Ni) activity concentration in samples of all types of water using liquid scintillation
counting (LSC). Using currently available liquid scintillation counters, this test
method can measure 59Ni activity concentrations of 50 mBq·l−1 and 63Ni activity concentrations of 20 mBq·l−1 with a counting time of 200 min and a sample volume of 1,5 l.
NOTE These performance indicators are wholly dependent on the measurement regimes in individual
laboratories; in particular, the detection limits for 59Ni are entirely dependent on the levels of 63Ni that can be present.
The range of application depends on the amount of dissolved material in the water
and on the performance characteristics of the measurement equipment (background count
rate and detection efficiency).
It is the laboratory’s responsibility to ensure the suitability of this test method
for the water samples tested.