Determination of 129i in water and air samples near a reprocessing plant by neutron activation analysis

Abstract

The neutron activation analysis was used to determine 129I in water and air samples collected in the neighbourhood of a reprocessing plant. The method involved preconcentration of 129I on AgI from water samples, separation of Ag+, followed by distillation, loading on Dowex-1, irradiation and post irradiation purification steps. Filter air samples were wet oxidised follwed by distillation and other chemical procedure steps as described for water samples. The concentration of 129I in rain water and air samples ranged from 0.155×10−3 to 0.327×10−3 Bq L−1 and 0.054×10−6 to 0.295×10−6 Bq m−3 respectively. The average concentration of 129I in seawater samples was 0.157×10−3 Bq L−1. The concentration of 129I obtained in these samples have been translated to dose rates to an individual and have been found to be insignificant.