Free radicals in the Perna perna mussel shell

Abstract This is the first characterization of free radicals in shells of the Perna perna mussel. Six free radicals produced only by X-rays and two produced by X-rays and ultraviolet rays were detected. The free radicals are stable because detection was nine months after irradiation. The shells consist only of aragonite. Perna perna can be used as a reference for dating and dosimetry.