The measurement of 36Cl and 129I in concrete wastes

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 I-129 and Cl-36 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 I-129, and Cl-36. Generally, recoveries for the procedure are high (in excess of 70%) and large sample sizes can be tolerated (similar to 1-10 g). This paper describes the development of the method and demonstrates a relatively simple, repeatable process for the measurement of I-129 and Cl-36 in concrete wastes. The equipment and the methods used should be available at most reactor sites or nuclear plants.