EN ISO 13164-1:2020 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 13164-1:2020 - Water quality - Radon-222 - Part 1: General principles (ISO 13164-1:2013, correction 2013-11-15) is the CEN-adopted European version of the ISO guidance that sets out general principles for sampling, packaging and transport of water samples for measurement of the activity concentration of radon-222 (Rn-222). It explains measurement principles, sample handling requirements and the laboratory responsibilities for ensuring method suitability. The standard supports both laboratory and on‑site radon measurement approaches.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Guidance for all kinds of water (surface water, groundwater, drinking water, mineral and spring waters) when measuring Rn‑222 activity concentration.
• Sampling, packaging and transport: Requirements to minimise radon loss or contamination during collection, storage and movement to the testing location.
• Sample storage and preparation: Instructions for conditions and timelines to preserve sample integrity prior to analysis.
• Measurement principle categories:
  • Direct measurement of the water sample without phase transfer (see ISO 13164‑2).
  • Indirect measurement involving transfer of radon from the aqueous phase to another phase (see ISO 13164‑3).
• Detection techniques covered: gamma‑ray spectrometry, ZnS(Ag) scintillation, air ionization, semiconductor alpha detection, and liquid scintillation.
• Measurement methods: Detailed coverage of gamma spectrometry, emanometric (emanometry) methods, liquid scintillation counting (LSC) and permeation methods.
• Quality and calibration: Calibration procedures, instrument and method verification, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programmes and analyst competence demonstration.
• Reporting: Expression of results, required test report content and data recording templates (informative annexes).

Practical applications and users

• Who uses this standard:
  • Accredited water testing laboratories performing radionuclide analyses.
  • Public health and environmental agencies monitoring drinking-water quality.
  • Water utilities, well owners and hydrogeologists assessing radon in groundwater and supplies.
  • Research institutions and field teams performing on‑site radon surveys.
• Practical uses:
  • Designing sampling plans and chain‑of‑custody to avoid radon losses.
  • Selecting appropriate detection and preparation methods for expected activity ranges (field values can vary widely: surface waters often <1 Bq·L‑1; groundwater and wells may range up to several hundred or more Bq·L‑1).
  • Implementing QA/QC and calibration to meet regulatory or WHO guidance (WHO recommends controls when drinking‑water Rn‑222 > 100 Bq·L‑1).

Related standards

• ISO 13164‑2: Test method using gamma‑ray spectrometry (direct measurement)
• ISO 13164‑3: Test method using emanometry (indirect measurement)
• EN ISO 13164‑1:2020 is the CEN adoption of ISO 13164‑1:2013

Keywords: EN ISO 13164-1:2020, radon-222, water quality, radon measurement, water sampling, gamma spectrometry, liquid scintillation, emanometry, QA/QC.