Simultaneous reduction of radioactive strontium, caesium and iodine retention by single treatment in rats

The effect of a mixture of calcium alginate, iron(III)ferrocyanide and potassium iodide added to rat diet on ⁸⁵Sr, ¹³⁷Cs and ¹³¹I metabolism and health was investigated in female rats after four weeks of treatment. The retention of these radioisotopes was determined in the whole body and critical organs six days after ⁸⁵Sr and ¹³⁷Cs and one day after ¹³¹I oral administration. The health effect of the mixture was evaluated by measuring body weights, haematological parameters, concentrations of iron, zinc and manganese in the kidneys, liver and femur, bone parameters (femur composition and morphometry) and by a histopathological examination. The mixture reduced ⁸⁵Sr retention in the femur 11 times, ¹³⁷Cs retention in the thigh muscle 102 times and ¹³¹I retention in the thyroid 134 times. Treated animals were in good health and the only differences found between the control and experimental rats were slightly lower haemoglobin values in the blood and a slightly lower iron concentration in the liver. It is concluded that the mixture was very efficient for decreasing body retention of three important fission products and that it can be used over long periods without causing adverse health effects.