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.
