This document specifies a test method for measuring actinides (²³⁸Pu, ^239+240Pu, ²⁴¹Am, ²⁴²Cm, ^243+244Cm and ²³⁷Np) in water samples by alpha spectrometry following a chemical separation.

This method can be used for any type of environmental study or monitoring after appropriate sampling and handling, and test sample preparation.

The detection limit of the test method is 5 × 10⁻³ Bq·l^-1 to 5 × 10⁻⁴ Bq·l^-1 for a volume of test portion between 0,1 l to 5 l with a counting time of two to ten days. This is lower than the WHO criteria for safe consumption of drinking water (1 Bq·l^-1 or 10 Bq·l^-1 depending on radionuclide).^[4]

The method described in this document is applicable in the event of an emergency situation.