Extraction of 137Cs from Lichen Cetraria islandica with Acidic Solution
Ana A. Čučulović1, Dragan S. Veselinović2, and Šćepan S. Miljanić2
1 INEP Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, Zemun, Serbia and Montenegro
2 Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
Corresponding author: Ana A. Čučulović
INEP Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy
Banatska 31b
11080 Zemun, Serbia and Montenegro
Telephone: +381 11 199 242
Fax number: +381 618 724
E-mail: anas@inep.co.yu
CEJOEM 2005, Vol.11. No.4.: 289–292
Key words:
Cetraria islandica, lichen, 137Cs, sorption, extraction
Abstract:
The 137Cs ion activity of the lichen Cetraria islandica and the extent of its elusion in
an acidic medium was investigated. Its samples were collected on the Sinjajevina Mountain (Montenegro) in 1994.
Their 137Cs activities measured amounted to 2129–3166 Bq/kg dry matter. To extract 137Cs,
H2SO4–HNO3–(NH4)2SO4 solution systems were used.
At pH 2.00 and 3.75, the total extraction of the radioisotope reached 66.4 and 61.7%, respectively. Taking into
account the existence of acidic rains, the results obtained suggest that C. islandica may serve as a source
of secondary 137Cs pollution.
Received: 5 December 2005
Accepted: 15 February 2006
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