Isotopic ratios of iodine and other radionuclides as nuclear power pollution indicators

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:4160280

Brauer, F P; Ballou, N E

The determination of isotope ratios in addition to radionuclide concentrations is useful in the identification and tracing of radioactive pollutant sources. Methods have been developed for measurement of $sup 58$Co/ $sup 60$Co, $sup 134$Cs/$sup 137$Cs, $sup 129$I/$sup 127$I and other radionuclide effluent isotope ratios at levels much below those required for radiation protection. Measurements of $sup 58$Co/$sup 60$Co, $sup 134$Cs/$sup 137$Cs, $sup 135$Cs/$sup 137$Cs and $sup 129$I/$sup 127$I in environmental samples have demonstrated their application to the detection of nuclear plant effluents. Increased $sup 129$I/$sup 127$I ratios were observed in nuclear fuel separations facility environs at levels much below radiation protection standards. The pathways in the transfer of atmospheric $sup 129$I to food materials has been studied by means of $sup 129$I/$sup 127$I analyses of environmental samples. Vegetation absorption of atmospheric iodine was found to be significant. The $sup 129$I/$sup 127$I ratio was observed to decrease in the pathway from the atmosphere to food. Examples of the use of $sup 129$I analysis for environmental studies are presented. (auth)

• Research Organization: Battelle-Pacific Northwest Labs., Richalnd, WA
• NSA Number: NSA-33-007287
• OSTI ID: 4160280
• Country of Publication: IAEA
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*AIR-- RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
*FOOD-- CONTAMINATION
*NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS-- RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS
*PLANTS-- CONTAMINATION
*RADIOACTIVE EFFLUENTS-- ISOTOPE RATIO
510300* --Environmental Sciences
Terrestrial--Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport
CESIUM 134
CESIUM 137
COBALT 58
COBALT 60
IODINE 127
IODINE 129
N44300* --Environmental & Earth Sciences--Radioactivity Monitoring & Transport
N44310 --Environmental & Earth Sciences--Radioactivity Monitoring & Transport--Atmosphere