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Potential of lichens for monitoring iodine-129 and chlorine-36

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Abstract

Chlorine-36 (half life 3.01 × 105 year), a beta emitter, is produced naturally but its presence has been enhanced by atmospheric weapons testing and other nuclear activities. Iodine-129 has a half life of 1.57 × 107 years and is also produced by nuclear activities, in particular fuel reprocessing. Many elements have a long biological half-life in lichens, which were thus investigated so as to assess their suitability for 36Cl and 129I monitoring. Lichens sampled between 1998 and 2008 were analysed for total chlorine, and selected samples were processed for 36Cl measurement using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS); 129I was analyzed by gamma spectrometry. Different aspects are discussed: long-term storage in lichens versus environmental mobility, levels in samples collected near a reprocessing facility, and potential for spatial and temporal monitoring.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their thanks to A. and F. Guillemette for sampling of lichens, as well as to J.L. Beltramo, CSAAB, University of Dijon, for chloride analyses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Observatoire Mycologique, Néronde, 71250, Mazille, France

    O. R. Daillant

  2. Association pour le Contrôle de la Radioactivité dans l’Ouest, 138, Rue de l’Eglise, 14200, Hérouville Saint Clair, France

    A. Bernollin & M. Josset

  3. Department of Nuclear Physics, School of Physical Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 0200, Australia

    K. L. Fifield

Authors
  1. O. R. Daillant
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  2. A. Bernollin
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  3. M. Josset
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  4. K. L. Fifield
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Correspondence to O. R. Daillant.

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Daillant, O.R., Bernollin, A., Josset, M. et al. Potential of lichens for monitoring iodine-129 and chlorine-36. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 281, 241–245 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0110-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0110-y

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