Biodegradeable Liquid Scintillation Cocktails

[Ninni Jacob <njacob@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu>]

The use of Biodegradeable Liquid scintillation cocktails is increasing due
to the fact that they are safer both for the user and the environment.
According to the vendors, the main features that are noteworthy are:
1)improved laboratory safety due to low toxicity and high flashpoint
2)approved disposal through the sanitary sewer system, or by incineration.

I would like to hear the thoughts and comments of RADSAFERS on this subject.

1. Do you encourage the use of biodegradeable cocktails at your institution?

2. If so, why, and what brands of cocktails do you recommend to your users?

3. Do you permit the sink disposal of biodegradeable cocktails to the
regional sewer system?

4. If so, did you need the approval of your regional sewer sytem, and what
documentation was provided to them?

5. Do you set criteria for users to dispose of these cocktails?

6. Other than dilution of the radioactivity itself to meet sewer limits,
do you set dilution limits for the chemical?

7. One of our researchers was concerned about the concentration of
napthalene in one of the cocktails, especially with regard to affecting fish.
Should this be a concern?
The vendor claims that toxicity studies have been performed on fish and
other microorganisms.

You can reply directly to me and I will try and summarise the results at
the end and post to RADSAFE.

As always, thank you for your input, and for taking the time to reply.


Ninni Jacob
Radiation Safety Officer
University of Rhode Island/
Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
16 Reactor Road
Narragansett,RI 02882

Phone: (401) 789-9391
Fax:   (401) 782-4201
email: njacob@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu