A new Certified Reference Material for radionuclides in Irish sea sediment (IAEA-385)

A new Certified Reference Material (CRM) for radionuclides in sediment (IAEA-385) is described and the results of the certification process are presented. Eleven radionuclides (40K, 137Cs, 226Ra, 228Ra, 230Th, 232Th, 234U, 238U, 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am) have been certified and information mass activities with 95% confidence intervals are given for seven other radionuclides (90Sr, 210Pb(210Po), 235U, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Pu). Results for less frequently reported radionuclides (60Co, 99Tc, 134Cs, 155Eu, 224Ra and 239Np) and information on some activity and mass ratios are also reported. The CRM can be used for quality assurance/quality control of the analysis of radionuclides in sediment samples, for the development and validation of analytical methods and for training purposes.