Adsorptive Property of Food Materials and Chemicals to Cesium and Strontium

摘要

In March, 2011, large amounts of radioactive materials were released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the nuclear accident. Especially, for humans, internal exposure to Cs-137 and Sr-90 radionuclides presents very high risks because of their very long physical half-lives (Cs-137: 30.2 years, Sr-90: 28.9 years). Therefore, it is important to inhibit the absorption of radioactive materials and to promote the excretion of them from the body through feces. The aim of this study was to explore foods, their components and various chemicals showing adsorption properties to Cs and Sr. Sodium alginate (ALA-Na) strongly adsorbed Cs and Sr compared with other samples. Chondroitin sulfate, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC-Na), methyl cellulose (MC) and apple polyphenols (AP; high molecule weight) also showed adsorption potency to Cs in that order. For Sr adsorption, kelp, CMC-Na, MC, AP (high molecule weight), laminaran and Jew's mallow exhibited adsorbing effects in that order. These samples might be useful and safe tools to protect from the adverse effects induced by internal exposure to these radioactive materials.