A new reference material for radionuclides in the mussel sample from the Mediterranean Sea (IAEA-437)

A new Reference Material (RM) for radionuclides in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Mediterranean Sea (IAEA-437) is described and the results of the certification process are presented. Four radionuclides ( 40K, 234U, 238U, and 239+240Pu) have been certified, and information values on massic activities with 95% confidence intervals are given for nine radionuclides (137Cs, 210Pb(210Po), 226Ra, 228Ra, 228Th, 230Th, 232Th, 235U, and 241Am). Results for less frequently reported radionuclides ( 90Sr, 129I, 238Pu, 239Pu, and 240Pu) are also reported. The RM can be used for quality assurance/quality control of the analysis of radionuclides in mussel samples, for the development and validation of analytical methods and for training purposes. The material is available in 200 g units. © 2010 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary.