In-Situ Monitoring of Iodine-129 in Grounwater Using an Equilibrium Minicolumn

The long-term monitoring of groundwater contamination plumes, for determining the fate of contaminants in the environment, is expensive and labor intensive. Current baseline methods have resulted in monitoring programs that collect less data than is required to fully understand the fate and transport mechanisms of the contaminants. This project will develop an automated field-deployable system for the monitoring of iodine concentrations using a reversible, mini-column sensor. The system will be capable of being deployed and operated in the field for several months, measuring iodine concentrations below the regulatory limits. The system will provide more frequent data with less reporting delay at a lower cost than the baseline methods. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The system would have application at DOE sites with radiological contaminants. The system should decrease the costs of site remediation and enhance the understanding of the fate of radiologicals in the environment.