What is the unit that is used? What are the thresholds for drinking water vs say irrigation water?
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Radioactivity in water can be measured using a variety of techniques, depending on the specific radioisotopes present and the sensitivity and accuracy required. Some common methods for measuring radioactivity in water include:
Gamma spectrometry: This method involves measuring the energy of gamma rays emitted by radioactive isotopes in the water.
Liquid scintillation counting: In this method, a sample of the water is mixed with a scintillation cocktail, which contains chemicals that emit light when exposed to radiation. The light is then detected and used to measure the radioactivity in the sample.
Alpha spectrometry: This method involves measuring the energy of alpha particles emitted by radioactive isotopes in the water.
Ionizing radiation detectors: These devices, such as Geiger counters, can be used to measure the radiation emitted by radioactive isotopes in the water.
Radiometric dating: In some cases, the age of the water can be determined by measuring the levels of radioactive isotopes present, such as carbon-14 or tritium.
Overall, the choice of method for measuring radioactivity in water will depend on the specific goals of the measurement, the resources available, and the characteristics of the water sample.
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