Detection of Free Radicals in Γ-Irradiated Seasnail Hard Tissues by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Abstract

Gamma-irradiated seasnail (from family of Helix lukortium) hard tissues (CaCO<inf>3</inf>) were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at room temperature. The radicals produced by γ-irradiation in seasnail were attributed to orthorhombic C.O<inf>2</inf>-, freely rotating C.O<inf>2</inf>-, orthorhombic C .;O<inf>3</inf>-, axial C.O<inf>3</inf> -, and axial C.O<inf>3</inf>3- free radicals. Unirradiated seasnail hard tissues also feature Mn2+ ions in their EPR spectra. The hyperfine values were determined for the 13C nucleus in the orthorhombic C.O<inf>2</inf>- and axial C.O<inf>3</inf>3- free radicals and for the manganese impurity ions. The g values of all the free radicals have been measured. The results were compared with the literature data for similar defects. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.