Separation of radiocaesium-bearing micro particle from environmental samples; Application to litter samples

Tagomori, Hisaya; Dohi, Terumi   ; Ishii, Yasuo; Kanaizuka, Seiichi*; Fujiwara, Kenso ; Iijima, Kazuki  

An efficient methodology for separating the radiocaesium-bearing micro particles (CsMPs) released by the TEPCO's Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station accident is required to investigate their spatial distribution and physicochemical properties. In this report we developed an efficiency separation method for CsMP from litters since the radiocaesium in litter may affect the radiocaesium cycling in forest ecosystem. One CsMP separation from litter containing lots of soil particles was attained within three days using electron microscopic analysis with digestion treatment of organic matter. This methodology is expected as CsMPs efficient separation method for not only forest floor litter but also barks and leaves of living tree, and other organic materials in the forested environment.