1. Uptake and depuration of 131I by the macroalgae Catenella nipae – Potential use as an environmental monitor for radiopharmaceutical waste.
- Author
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Kleinschmidt, Ross
- Subjects
RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS ,SURVEILLANCE detection ,IODINE isotopes ,ELIMINATION (Mathematics) ,TIME measurements ,RADIOACTIVE wastes - Abstract
Abstract: A study was initiated to establish the suitability of the macroalgae, Catenella nipae as an environmental surveillance monitor for radiopharmaceutical waste discharges to aquatic environments. A series of experiments were conducted to establish the radioactive iodine (
131 I) concentration factor, and uptake and depuration characteristics of C. nipae. The steady state concentration factor was estimated to be 630±80mLg−1 , with an uptake half-time of 160±20min. Elimination of131 I was found to follow a two phase model, the first having a rapid elimination rate with a half-time of <1min, followed by the second phase with a half-time of 3.2days. Application of the Michaelis–Menton model allowed calculation of an estimate for activity concentration of131 I in environmental waters from C. nipae sampling devices in the Brisbane River estuary, Australia. The results suggest that C. nipae may be used as an environmental radioactive waste sentinel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]- Published
- 2009
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