Towards low dose retrospective dosimetry on shelled species

This work investigates calcified tissues of shelled species for retrospective dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. To determine applicable samples for low dose studies, shells of crustacean and mollusc species were irradiated to 10 Gy using a 137Cs source. Reference dosimetry was performed with alanine powder using a specifically developed calibration curve. Characteristic Mn2+ signals were present in the EPR spectra of all studied species. Radiation induced peaks were not detected in shells of any species except terrestrial snails. A dose-response curve for terrestrial snails was developed by irradiating shells to 2, 10, and 20 Gy. However, Mn2+ signals caused limitations in resolving radiation induced peaks below 2 Gy. Environmental factors were assessed, and it was found that shell structure and habitat characteristics contribute to Mn2+ signals in EPR spectra. Since high-intensity Mn2+ signals obscured radiation-induced peaks, shells of the studied aquatic species were deemed unsuitable for low dose retrospective dosimetry.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nuclear Engineering

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Hassan, Amna

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Waller, Ed

• EPR dosimetry
• Retrospective dosimetry
• Alanine powder
• Calcified tissues
• Mn2+

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1213

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1213