Abstract
We investigated the chemical localization of 137Cs in lichens and its possible effect on the exploitation of 137Cs-contaminated lichen as a source of compounds for industrial use. The lichen Cetraria islandica was extracted with organic solvents and various aqueous solutions. Only a minor fraction of 137Cs was extractable with organic solvents and therefore, such extracts could be further used. In contrast, water and aqueous solutions had high levels of 137Cs activity. The results obtained led to the following conclusions: (i) 137Cs was present as organic salt(s), (ii) 137Cs in these salts can undergo ionic exchange (especially with ammonium salts), (iii) 137Cs can be liberated from these salts with strong inorganic acids, and (iv) not all of the 137Cs can be extracted in the described manner.
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Nedić, O., Stanković, A., Stanković, S. et al. Chemical localization of 137Cs in the lichen Cetraria islandica . Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 29, 380–383 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00212504
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00212504