The effect of sustained release boli with ammoniumiron(III)-hexacyanoferrate(II) on radiocesium accumulation in sheep grazing contaminated pasture

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199611000-00010· OSTI ID:416464

Hansen, H S; Hove, K ^[1]; Barvik, K ^[2]

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1. Agricultural Univ. of Norway, As (Norway)
2. Tjotta Rural Development Centre (Norway)

Sustained release boli with the cesium binder ammoniumiron(III)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (AFCF) were tested under practical conditions for sheep grazing on pastures contaminated with radiocesium ({sup 134}Cs+{sup 137}Cs) from the Chernobyl fallout. Two types of AFCF boli were developed: boli without a protective surface coating intended to last 4-8 wk; and boli coated by a wax-mixture with an extended duration of 10-12 wk. From 1989 to 1993 we measured the effect of wax-coated and uncoated boli administered at various times during the grazing season to a total of 3,248 animals. Reductions in radiocesium levels in meat of sheep were measured by in vivo monitoring. Administration of AFCF boli without a wax-coating reduced the mean radiocesium levels in lambs by 42-75% over a 408 wk period, and administration of the wax-coated AFCF boli reduced the mean radiocesium levels by 48-65% over a 9-11 wk period. The coefficients of variation in meat radiocesium levels were similar in treated and control groups at the end of the observation period, showing that the reduction of meat radiocesium values was homogeneous throughout the treated groups. The boli giving sustained release of AFCF is a labor-saving and cost effective counter-measure for sheep grazing radiocesium contaminated pastures. 16 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 416464
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 71; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
ANIMALS
CESIUM 137
CHELATES
CONTAMINATION
DECONTAMINATION
FALLOUT
FOOD CHAINS
GRAZING
INTESTINAL ABSORPTION
IRON COMPOUNDS
PASTURES
RADIATION ACCIDENTS
SHEEP
SURFACE COATING