Loss of ²²²Rn from Otoliths of Orange Roughy, Hoplostethus atlanticus, Invalidates Old Ages

Abstract

Gamma-ray detection methods show diffusion of ²²²Rn out of otoliths of orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus and variable uptake of ²²⁶Ra into otoliths of H. atlanticus both of which invalidate the assumptions of closure to ²²²Rn diffusion and the constant uptake of ²²⁶Ra that are critical to the ²¹⁰Pb: ²²⁶Ra method of age estimation from otoliths of H. atlanticus.