Thermoluminescence analyses of irradiated dried sea foods using different methods of mineral separation

This research was conducted to find the most suitable parameters to separate minerals from irradiated dried shrimps and mussels (0 and 5 kGy) for thermoluminescence analysis using density separation and modified acid hydrolysis (at 50 °C with continuous agitation) methods. Nonirradiated samples gave TL glow curve of low intensity with peak after 300 °C except dried mussel sample, which gave false positive result. This problem was absent in minerals separated by acid hydrolysis. TL ratios of all nonirradiated samples were <0.1 irrespective of method used for mineral separation. Minerals separated from irradiated samples by density separation showed very high intensity of TL glow peak before 200 °C, where results from irradiated dried shrimp samples were better because of good availability of minerals. The minerals separated from irradiated samples by acid hydrolysis showed slightly low TL intensity and glow curve peak was found at about 200 °C. However, acid hydrolysis method was less laborious and required less sample weight as compared to density separation method. TL ratios of all irradiated samples were >0.1 confirming the quality of minerals on TL discs.