A soil sampling intercomparison exercise for the ALMERA network.

Soil sampling and analysis for radionuclides after an accidental or routine release is a key factor for the dose calculation to members of the public, and for the establishment of possible countermeasures. The IAEA organized for selected laboratories of the ALMERA (Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity) network a Soil Sampling Intercomparison Exercise (IAEA/SIE/01) with the objective of comparing soil sampling procedures used by different laboratories. The ALMERA network is a world-wide network of analytical laboratories located in IAEA member states capable of providing reliable and timely analysis of environmental samples in the event of an accidental or intentional release of radioactivity.

The IAEA's 'ALMERA Network' proficiency test on the determination of gamma-emitting radionuclides: a test of results comparability.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) coordinates the work of a world-wide network of analytical laboratories, the Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network. A proficiency test for ALMERA members was organized in 2006 based on the determination of gamma-emitting radionuclides ((54)Mn, (60)Co, (65)Zn, (109)Cd, (134)Cs, (137)Cs, (241)Am and (210)Pb) in three matrices: water, soil and grass. This paper presents the methodology applied in this proficiency test and discusses the results of the analytical performance evaluation for 38 participating laboratories.