EVALUATION OF CLAYS AS BINDING AGENTS FOR REDUCTION OF RADIONUCLIDES IN MILK - BINDING PROPERTIES OF CLAYS WITH 134CS IN ARTIFICIAL RUMEN AND IN SIMULATED ABOMASAL AND INTESTINAL FLUIDS, AND UPTAKE OF 134CS BY RUMEN MICROFLORA

The binding properties of 134Cs by the natural and hydrogen form of sodium and calcium montmorillonite clays and kaolin were tested in an artificial rumen and simulated fluids of the abomasum and jejunum. Natural Belle Fourche bentonite (sodium montmorillonite) removed 82% of the radioactivity from the rumen juice. Natural Aberdeen bentonite (calcium montmorillonite) removed 69% of the 134Cs from the rumen juice. In both instances there was dissociation of the clay cesium complex with some of the 134Cs returning into the abomasal and and intestinal fluids. Hydrogen form Aberdeen bentonite removed 72% of the 134Cs from the rumen juice. Following the intestinal phase, 57% of the radioactivity remained bound to the clay. The binding properties of Belle Fourche bentonite for 134Cs decreased considerably when this clay was converted to the hydrogen form. Kaolin had no effect of practical significance. Results of an in vitro artificial rumen study to determine the extent of concentration of radiocesium by rumen microflora showed that less than 3% of the total radioactivity was associated with the microflora and other sediment. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.