Multifrequency EPR study of carbonate- and sulfate-derived radicals produced by radiation in shells and corallite

• Published in: Radiation research Vol. 155; no. 4; p. 619
• Main Authors: Strzelczak, G, Vanhaelewyn, G, Stachowitz, W, Goovaerts, E, Callens, F, Michalik, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.2001
• Subjects: Animals; Anthozoa - radiation effects; Calcium Carbonate - radiation effects; Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; Free Radicals; Mollusca - radiation effects; Ostreidae - radiation effects; Sulfates - radiation effects
• ISSN: 0033-7587
• DOI: 10.1667/0033-7587(2001)155[0619:MESOCA]2.0.CO;2

Shells of two sea mollusks (Venus sp.), pearl oyster (Meleagrina vulgaris) and corallite (white coral) were exposed to ionizing radiation (gamma and X rays) and then examined by EPR spectroscopy in X, Q and W band. The resulting spectra were analyzed and the g values of the EPR lines in the multicomponent spectra were determined. The increased resolution in Q- and W-band spectra allowed us to assign the observed lines to CO(2)(-) ion radicals (isotropic and orthorhombic), SO(2)(-) isotropic, SO(3)(-) (isotropic and axial), and Mn(2+) species. The assignments were confirmed by simulations of the spectra. Practical implications for the use of Q and/or W band in low-dose quantitative EPR measurements for dating and for accidental dose estimation are discussed.