Determination of total iodine and {sup 129}I in soils

Studies using {sup 129}I as a tracer have increased significantly since the AMS measurement of {sup 129}I became available. Determinations of {sup 129}I and total iodine in soils can help understand fallout patterns from anthropogenic sources (e.g. nuclear reprocessing plant, nuclear accidents). Iodine is a trace element in soils with a concentration range generally between 0.1 and 10 ppm. Traces of iodine are normally determined using neutron activation analysis. In this talk a simple and reliable method will be described for the determination of total iodine in soils using gas chromatography. Also, the preparation of samples for {sup 129}I determination will be discussed along with examples of these measurements in the case of soil samples related to the Chernobyl accident.