Abstract:
This study evaluates the uncertainty in the determination of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity in drinking water using the thick source method. Following the GB/T 5750.13-2023 "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water Part 13: Radioactivity Index," gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity in drinking water were measured. The measurement repeatability was considered as type A uncertainty, while factors such as count rate, residue mass, water sample volume, instrument detection efficiency, and recovery rate were considered as type B uncertainties. The measured concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity were 0.66 Bq/L and 0.48 Bq/L, respectively, with relative combined standard uncertainties of 6.0% and 5.7%, and expanded uncertainties of 0.08 Bq/L and 0.06 Bq/L. The uncertainty introduced by the instrument's count rate (
n) was the largest source of uncertainty and had the greatest influence. Measurement repeatability, the counting efficiency (
ε) of the standard powder source, and the recovery rate of radioactivity (
F) also had a significant impact. The total mass of the water sample residue (
W), the mass of the residue used to prepare the sample source (
m), and the volume (
V) of the water sample had less influence.