ISO 13165-2-2022 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 13165-2-2022 — Water quality — Radium-226 — Part 2: Test method using emanometry. This standard specifies an emanometry-based laboratory test method to determine the activity concentration of radium-226 (226Ra) in all types of water (soluble, suspended and total fractions), suitable for routine environmental and drinking‑water testing where 226Ra concentrations exceed the method detection limit.

Abstract

ISO 13165-2:2022 defines a procedure that extracts radon-222 (the daughter of 226Ra) from a water sample and measures the emanated radon by emanometry to calculate the 226Ra activity concentration. The method is applicable to all water types and to soluble, suspended and total 226Ra, and is intended for soluble 226Ra activity concentrations greater than approximately 0,02 Bq·L−1. Annex A of the standard provides decay‑chain information relevant to the method.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: September 2022 (Edition 2 — published 19 September 2022).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 17.240 (Water quality); 13.060.60 (Radiation protection and nuclear techniques)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2022)
• Number of pages: 16

Scope

The standard specifies a laboratory test method using emanometry for the determination of 226Ra activity concentration in all types of water (including supply, drinking, surface, ground, seawater and wastewater). It covers determination of soluble, suspended and total fractions and is intended for samples with soluble 226Ra activity concentrations greater than about 0,02 Bq·L−1. The document includes method performance parameters, sample preparation considerations and an informative annex on decay chains.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle: extraction/ingrowth of 222Rn from a water sample and measurement by emanometry to infer 226Ra activity.
• Applicability: all water types; soluble, suspended and total 226Ra fractions.
• Detection limit / practical lower measurement range: method suitable for soluble 226Ra concentrations > 0,02 Bq·L−1 (practical detection depends on sample volume and counting arrangements).
• Sample handling: guidance on sampling, preservation, preparation and aliquoting to ensure representative determination and to control losses of radon.
• Quality control: calibration, blanks, spikes and performance checks to validate results and estimate measurement uncertainty.
• Informative annexes: decay chains and relevant figures to support interpretation (e.g., 238U→226Ra→222Rn sequence).

Typical use and users

Used by environmental and public‑health laboratories, water utilities, regulatory agencies, contract testing laboratories and research institutions for monitoring 226Ra in drinking water, ground and surface waters, industrial effluents and other water matrices where radium assessment is required. Laboratories performing compliance testing, environmental surveillance and radiological assessments will apply this method as part of a measurement program.

Related standards

ISO 13165 is a multipart series for determination of radium‑226 in water. Related and complementary parts include ISO 13165-1:2022 (test method using liquid scintillation counting), ISO 13165-3:2024 (test method using coprecipitation and gamma‑ray spectrometry) and ISO 13165-4:2025 (test method using alpha spectrometry). Other referenced standards and methods (for direct gamma spectrometry or sample preparation) are cited within the series and in informative notes of the parts where applicable.

Keywords

Radium‑226; 226Ra; emanometry; radon‑222; water quality; drinking water testing; radiological monitoring; environmental monitoring; measurement method; detection limit.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 13165-2:2022 is an international standard specifying an emanometry‑based laboratory method to determine the activity concentration of radium‑226 in water.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample handling and a laboratory procedure that measures radon‑222 emanation from a sample to calculate 226Ra activity concentration; applicable to all water types and to soluble, suspended and total 226Ra for concentrations above about 0,02 Bq·L−1.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental testing and public‑health laboratories, water suppliers, regulatory bodies and researchers who need reliable 226Ra determinations in water.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 13165-2:2022 is the current (published) edition, replacing the earlier 2014 edition. Laboratories should use the 2022 edition for up‑to‑date requirements and performance criteria.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 13165 is a multipart series addressing different measurement techniques for 226Ra in water (Part 1: liquid scintillation counting; Part 2: emanometry; Part 3: coprecipitation + gamma spectrometry; Part 4: alpha spectrometry, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Radium‑226; emanometry; radon‑222; water quality; radiological monitoring; detection limit; sample preparation; measurement uncertainty.