Changes in 129I concentration of soil samples after thermal drying

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiochemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

Background:

• Iodine-129 (129I) is a long-lived radionuclide of environmental concern.
• Nuclear fuel reprocessing plants can be sources of atmospheric 129I releases.
• Soil samples near such facilities may exhibit elevated 129I concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of thermal drying on 129I concentration in soil.
• To compare thermal drying methods with lyophilization for 129I analysis.
• To ensure accurate radionuclide measurements in environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Soil samples with elevated 129I levels were collected near a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant.
• Thermal drying was performed at temperatures ranging from 60°C to 110°C.
• Results were compared to those obtained via lyophilization.

Main Results:

• 129I concentrations in soil samples were statistically comparable across all tested thermal drying temperatures (60°C–110°C).
• No significant difference was observed between thermal drying and lyophilization methods for 129I quantification.
• Drying temperature did not significantly affect the measured 129I concentration in the soil.

Conclusions:

• Thermal drying is a viable and reliable method for preparing soil samples for 129I analysis.
• The choice of drying temperature (60°C–110°C) does not impact the accuracy of 129I concentration measurements.
• Lyophilization and thermal drying are comparable techniques for preserving 129I integrity in soil samples.