The measurement of 36Cl and 129I in concrete wastes

Abstract

A method has been developed for the measurement of chlorine and iodine radionuclides in concrete wastes generated from the decommissioning of nuclear power stations. Sequential oxidation of ¹²⁹I and ³⁶Cl from samples of concrete takes less than 7 h and the method is relatively simple and can be used to reliably determine low levels of ¹²⁹I and ³⁶Cl. Generally, recoveries for the procedure are high (in excess of 70%) and large sample sizes can be tolerated (≡1–10 g). This paper describes the development of the method and demonstrates a relatively simple, repeatable process for the measurement of ¹²⁹I and ³⁶Cl in concrete wastes. The equipment and the methods used should be available at most reactor sites or nuclear plants.