The collection and determination of atmospheric gaseous bromine and iodine

A procedure has been developed which allows for the isolation, collection and analysis of atmospheric gaseous iodine and bromine. Particulate matter is removed from the airstream to be sampled by electrostatic precipitation. The gaseous halogen species are adsorbed onto specially cleaned activated charcoal. After irradiation of the charcoal sample with thermal neutrons, the iodine and bromine are removed from the charcoal, isolated, and purified as the AgX precipitate. The amounts of gaseous iodine and bromine are then determined by β-counting. The system works well for air sheds with low particulate iodine and bromine concentrations relative to that in the gaseous phase. In air sheds where the particulate halogen predominates, the gas phase measurements are more uncertain.