RESUMEN
The depth profiles of the (129)I concentration and the (129)I/(127)I ratio in a surface sediment core from the Kattegat area have been analyzed in order to obtain information about the different sources of (129)I in that core. Therefore, a mathematical model that relates the measured values to the available emission data from the nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and nuclear weapons tests has been applied. Results show that the reprocessing plants at La Hague and Sellafield are the main sources of (129)I in the sediment. Results about the transfer from the release points at the reprocessing plants to the sampling zone agree with other literature data. The model calculates quite fast the sedimentation of (129)I in the sampling place, probably attached to organic matter. Finally, an estimation of approximately 89 kg of (129)I released by Sellafield between 1952 and 1968 has been obtained from the model.
RESUMEN
129I is a very long-lived radionuclide (T(1/2) = 15.7 x 10(6) years) that is present in the environment both because of natural and anthropogenic sources. Its environmental interest, for example, as a tracer of geological processes, makes it the research target of a growing scientific community. However, its detection in environmental samples by radiometric methods is very difficult because of its long half-life. In this work, we present the methodology developed for its detection by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) in rainwater.
