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

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 result ing spectra were analyzed and the g values of the EPR lines in the multicom ponent spectra were determined. The increased resolution in Q- and W-band s pectra allowed us to assign the observed lines to CO2- ion radicals (isotro pic and orthorhombic), SO2- isotropic, SO3- (isotropic and axial), and Mn2 species. The assignments were confirmed by simulations of the spectra, Pra ctical implications for the use of Q and/or W band in low-dose quantitative EPR measurements for dating and for accidental dose estimation are discuss ed. (C) 2001 by Radiation Research Society.