Utilizing electron spin resonance on teeth to determine external lifetime dose to wild boar near Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Date
2017
Authors
Heard, Jadtrl Christina, author
Johnson, Thomas, advisor
Brandl, Alexander, committee member
Lindsay, James, committee member
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Abstract
Following the 2011 nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the flora and fauna surrounding the affected area were exposed to radioactive contamination. The purpose of this project is to determine if the external radiation dose to the wild boar living in Fukushima Prefecture can be determined using Electron Spin Resonance. Electron spin resonance (ESR), sometimes referred to as electron paramagnetic resonance, is a spectroscopic technique for studying materials with unpaired electrons to ascertain radiation dose. ESR was performed on wild boar teeth to ascertain if a signal was present that could be used to quantify external radiation dose. Teeth can function as an integrating dosimeter which records the accumulated dose to an animal. The results of this experiment demonstrated that an ESR signal exists in wild boar teeth that appears to be proportional to dose. This pilot study will assist in developing methods to enhance our understanding and verifying the external radiation dose received by the wildlife in the Fukushima area.