Electron paramagnetic resonance dosimetry and the use of Japanese wild boar tooth enamel as a dosimeter for reconstruction of lifetime external absorbed doses from the Fukushima Exclusion Zone
Date
2018
Authors
Harshman, Amber, author
Johnson, Thomas E., advisor
Brandl, Alexander, committee member
Sudowe, Ralf, committee member
Fisher, Gwen, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The goal of this study was to establish characteristics of Japanese wild boar tooth enamel in the region of 0.25 – 12.0 Gy and to reconstruct external doses to wild boar native to the Fukushima Exclusion Zone using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Dosimetry. The significance of Japanese wild boar in their ecosystem and their position within the trophic hierarchy make the wild boar a species of particular importance and therefore the focus of this study. Dose response, linearity, and variability of enamel originating from various wild boar were investigated. Radiation dose response of Japanese wild boar tooth enamel in the range of 0.25 – 12.0 Gy was found to be linear, and the average variation in dose response between teeth originating from the same boar specimen was 30%. Analysis of dose response of permanent and deciduous tooth enamel revealed a statistically significant difference in both the degree of dose response and also variation. No statistically significant difference in dose response was found in permanent molar teeth of boar of differing ages or in boar of different sex. Doses were successfully reconstructed with large associated uncertainties. The critical level dose value for the calibration curve was 1.0 Gy, and the detection limit dose was 1.8 Gy, suggesting that this method would be more beneficial for boar with lifetime doses over 1 Gy. The method of reconstructing external doses using EPR dosimetry with tooth enamel from Japanese wild boar as dosimeters has proven to be a viable method which can be used to reconstruct doses to wildlife in accident-stricken areas in the absence of alternative dosimetry.