ASTM C1416-04

1.1 This test method applies for the determination of trace uranium content in natural and waste water. It covers concentration of U between 0.05 mg/L and 2mg/L.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Uranium production facilities must control trace uranium content in their waste waters.

Colorimetric and fluorimetric methods have been developed but require a tedious separation of interfering elements. Trace uranium can also be determined by ICP-MS but not all water matrices are adapted (for example, waters with high salt content). Direct X-ray fluorescence can be done on the liquid but with a detection limit of ∼5 mg/L

X-ray fluorescence after collection of uranium offers the advantages to reach low detection limits (0.05 mg/L) and to avoid handling a liquid in the spectrometer.