Processing environmental samples for analysis can result in loss of target or bystander radionuclides. Removal of carrier-free 131I from soil samples by chemical processes was evaluated in the presence and absence of iodide carrier, H2O2, and AgNO3. Soil samples spiked with 131I and 134Cs tracer were boiled under reflux for 30 min in HNO3 and combinations of aforementioned reagents. Spectroscopic analysis revealed the greatest removal of radioiodine (45 ± 1 %) was achieved using AgNO3 and carrier; the lowest (7 ± 1 %) was achieved by refluxing with H2O2 and HNO3. The results quantify the effect of iodide carrier and suggest the preferential interaction of H2O2 with iodide instead of soil organic matter.