Sediment sample preparation for lead-210

This method specifies the minimum requirements and laboratory methods for the analysis of ²¹⁰Pb with alpha-spectrometry in sediment samples.

Samples are collected using crab sampler or gravity sampler, sealed on board and finally kept at -18°C. Post processing will take place in the land laboratory by freeze-dry. ²¹⁰Pb is determined through its grandparent ²¹⁰Po. Isotope decay correction is applied if the duration between sampling and measurement introduce discernible variation in ²¹⁰Pb activity.