tnvironmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas NV 891T4
EPA-600/3-80-096
DOE/DP/0059-038
December 1980
Research and Development
Animal Investigation
Program 1978 Annual
Report:
Nevada Test Site
and Vicinity
prepared for the
Nevada Operations Office
U.S. Department of Energy
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AVAILABLE FROM THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22161
PAPER COPY, PRICE CODE A04
MICROFICHE, PRICE CODE A01
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EPA-600/3-80-096
DOE/DP/0059-038
December 1980
ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM 1978 ANNUAL REPORT:
Nevada Test Site and Vicinity
by
D. D. Smith, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. R. Giles
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
prepared for the
U.S. Department of Energy
under Memorandum of Understanding
Number DE-AI08-76PD00539
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEMS LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory--Las Vegas and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or
commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
i i
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ABSTRACT
Data are presented from the radioanalyses of tissues collected from
cattle, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, rabbits, golden eagles, and other
wildlife that resided on or near the Nevada Test Site during 1978. ~outine
and special activities of the Animal Investigation Program are also discussed.
Other than the naturally occurring Potassium-40, gamma-emitting
radionuclides were detected infrequently with the exception of short-lived
radionuclides found in samples from animals collected soon after March 14 (the
date of a nuclear test by the People's Republic of China).
Strontium-90 concentrations in bones from deer, cattle, and desert bighorn
sheep were consistent with those of recent years. Tritium concentrations were
generally within expected environmental limits with the exception of animals
exposed to sources of contamination; e.g., drainage ponds from Area 12
tunnels. Plutonium levels in all tissues from all species showed little
variation from recent years. However, cattle tissue sampled in the fall were
higher than those collected in the spring. Radionuclide tissue concentrations
were generally higher in the tissues of animals residing in Area 15 than in
similar animals collected from other Nevada Test Site areas.
Hypothetical dose estimates to man were calculated on the basis of the
daily consumption of 0.5 kilogram of liver or muscle from animals that
contained peak radionuclide levels. The highest postulated dose was 1.4
millirems for tritium in tissues from a mule deer that probably drank from
Area 12 drainage ponds. This dose is about 0.3 percent of the 500 millirems
per year radiation protection standard for individuals in the general
population. All other postulated doses for consumption of the tissue
containing other radionuclides are about 0.2 percent or less of the standard.
The movements of 13 mule deer outfitted with collars containing a radio
transmitter unit were monitored on a weekly basis. During the winter months,
all deer left their summer range on the mesas of the Nevada Test Site and
migrated 40 to 60 kilometers south and west to Timber Mountain or south to
Shoshone Mountain. Those deer that wintered on Timber Mountain made frequent
side trips off the Nevada Test Site in the Beatty Wash area. A deer
originally captured in 1977 was killed by hunters approximately 120 kilometers
from its capture point.
No gross or microscopic lesions were found in necropsied animals that
could be directly attributed to the effects of ionizing radiation.
i i i
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CONTENTS
Ab s t r act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; i i
Fig u re s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v; i
Tab 1 e s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii i
I n trod u c t ion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
Sample Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2
Analytical Procedures and Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
Results and Discussion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Quality Assurance Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Nevada Test Site Cattle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Nevada Test Site Mule Deer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16
Desert Bighorn Sheep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17
Nevada Test Site Rabbits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17
Area 18 Rabbits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17
Area 15 Rabbits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17
Nevada Test Site Chukars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Nevada Test Site Eagles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
Nevada Test Site Feral Horse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Nevada Test Site Waters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
Necropsy and Histopathological Examinations. . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
Hypothetical Dose Estimates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20
Other Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deer Migration Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investigations and Other Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public Infonnation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24
24
28
28
References.
.......
........
........
........
29
Appendi x
A.
Summary of Analytical Procedures and Minimum
Detectable Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......
34
35
B.
C.
Plutonium Quality Assurance Results. .
.............
Radionuclide Concentrations in Tissue Samples Collected
from Beef Cattle, Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1978 . .
.....
36
D.
Radionuclide Concentrations in Tissue Samples Collected
from Mule Deer, Nevada Test Site, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
E.
Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones,
Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1978. . . . . . . . . . .
........
49
v
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CONTENTS (Continued)
F.
Radionuclide Concentrations ln Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radionuclide Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 15, Nevada Test Site, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
. . . .
G.
H.
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting
Radionuclides Concentrations in Selected Tissues,
Chukar, Nevada Test Site, 1978. . . . . . . . . .
.......
1.
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting
Radionuclides Concentrations in Selected Tissues,
Eagles, Nevada Test Site, 1978. . . . . . . . . .
.......
J.
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting
Radionuclides Concentrations in Selected Tissues,
Horse, Nevada Test Site, 1978 . . . . . . . . . .
.......
K.
Gross and Microscopic Pathology Found in
Necropsied Animals, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vi
50
53
57
58
59
60
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Number
FIGURES
l.
2.
Location of sample sites on the Nevada Test
Approximate collection sites of 1978 desert
bighorn sheep. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Site. . . . . . . . . .
............
3.
Annual Averages of 90Sr in bones of cattle,
deer and desert bighorn sheep 1956-1978 . . . .
.........
4.
1978 mule deer capture and wintering areas.
vii
......
......
Page
4
9
13
27
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Number
TAB LE S
1.
Sampling Information for Nevada Test Site Cattle. . .
. . . .
2.
3.
Sampling Information for Nevada Test Site Wildlife. . .
......
Sampling Information for Desert Bighorn Sheep. . . .
.......
4.
Median Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues
from Nevada Test Site Beef Cattle. . . . . . . .
........
5.
Plutonium Concentrations in Gonads Collected from
Cattle Born and Raised in Northern Nevada. . .
.........
6.
Median Plutonium Concentrations in Nevada Test Site
Deer Tissues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
........
7 .
Median Plutonium Concentrations in Nevada Test Site
Rabbit Tissues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.......
8.
Tritium and Gamma Analysis of Springs Waters, Nevada
Test Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
......
9.
Summary of Peak Radionuclide Concentrations in Selected
Tissues from Nevada Test Site Animals. . . . . . . .
......
10.
Postulated Dose to Man Following Ingestion of Selected
Tissues for 1 Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.
1978 Deer Captured. .
. . . .
........
.....
......
viii
Page
3
5
8
14
15
16
18
20
22
23
25
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INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.s Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory* has since 1964, conducted the Animal Investigation Program
for the Nevada Operations Office of the u.S. Department of Energy and its
predecessor agencies. Previous reports (Fountain 1961; Smith and Giles 1970,
1974, and 1975; Smith et al. 1976, 1977a, 1977b, 1978a, 1978b, and 1979) have
detailed the history, evolution, and accomplishments of the Animal
Investigation Program since its beginning in 1957. During 1978, the major
objectives of this program were:
1.
To conduct surveillance of domestic and wild animals on and around the
Nevada Test Site (NTS) to assess the radionuclide burden present in
their tissues and to detect pathological effects from the burdens.
2.
To investigate alleged damage to domestic animals and wildlife
resulting from the activities of the Nevada Operations Office of the
U.S. Department of Energy. .
3.
To maintain public information through education and veterinary advice
to the offsite population.
4.
To conduct special ad hoc investigations.
Progress during 1978 in achieving these objectives and summaries of the
data collected are presented in this report.
*Effective June 3, 1979, the Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory,
Las Vegas, 'Nevada was designated the Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada.
1
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SAMPLE COLLECTION
Nevada Test Site animals sampled during 1978 included cattle, mule deer,
rabbits, chukar, eagles, and a feral horse. Desert bighorn sheep that range
the mountainous areas to the south and east of the NTS were sampled. The
sampling included animals that had died from natural causes or by accident,
those collected through the cooperation of licensed hunters, and those that
were sacrificed as part of the routine sampling activities of the program.
Sacrificed animals, killed either by rifle or shotgun fire, were usually
necropsied immediately after death and any gross pathological conditions
noted. Animals collected by other means were also necropsied if a prosector
were available. If advanced postmortem changes had not occurred, the
adrenals, eyes, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscle, spleen, thyroid, gonads,
and gross lesions (if any) were sampled and prepared for histopathological
evaluation. If fresh blood were available, heparinized samples were collected
for hematological examination. Tissues collected for radioanalysis from large
animals included rumen or stomach contents, liver, lungs, tracheobronchial
lymph nodes, muscle, thyroids, blood, kidneys, fetus (if present) and bone
(femurs or hock). Tissues collected for radioanalyses from small animals
(rabbit, chukar, and eagle) included bone from the entire skeleton, muscle,
skin, entire gastrointestinal tra~t, and composited internal organs (liver,
lungs, kidneys, and spleen).
Nevada Test Site cattle sampled during the year consisted of 12 animals
from the Area 18 beef herd. Five of these animals were sampled in the field
following their deaths from respiratory failure associated with improper
application of Dichlorvos (Vapona@). Sampling information for all the cattle
sampled is presented in Table 1. Each animal sampled spent its entire life,
except for a brief weaning period, grazing on the Area 18 range of the Nevada
Test Site (Figure 1). The management of the beef herd and soil and range
surveys of the Area 18 grazing area have been published previously (Smith
1970, Leavitt 1970, and Brown and Mason 1968).
Tissue samples were collected from five Nevada Test Site adult mule deer
(Odocoileus hemionus) and two fetuses. (See Table 2 for sampling
information.) All the deer were sampled after being struck by motor vehicles.
Ten jac~~abbits (Lepus californicus) and three desert cottontails (Sylvilagus
audubonll) were collected at the Area 15 experimental farm. Other Nevada Test
Site animals included six jackrabbits, one feral horse (E uus chr saetos),
three golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), and two chukar Alectoris chukar).
Collection locations are noted on Figure 1.
@Registered trademark
2
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TABLE 1. SAMPL I NG INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE
Ani ma 1 Age Weight Date
Number Sex (yea rs) (k g) Sampled Remarks
1 F 12 400 05/17/78 A lactating cow in good condition*.
2 M 3 469 05/17/78 Steer in good condition*.
3 M 3 480 05/17/78 Steer in good condition*.
4 F 3 400 05/17/78 A lactating cow in good condition*.
5 F 14 384 05/17/78 In fair condition*.
6 F 1 day 30 05/17/78 Newborn calf, in good condition.
7 F 11 500 10/26/78 In good condition.
8 M 6 632 10/26/78 In good condition. Actinobacillosis
of left maxilla.
.
9 F 11 425 10/26/78 In fair condition. Blind in right
eye.
10 M 0.5 143 10/26/78 In good condition.
11 M 0.5 193 10/26/78 In good condition. Lesi ons of
traumatic reticulitis present.
12 M 0.5 145 10/26/78 In good condition.
*Animals 1 through 5 died from respiratory failure following their inadvertent
spraying with Dichlorvos (Vapona ) for ectoparasite control. They were
necropsied and sampled in the field. Blood samples were not collected.
Through the cooperation of state and federal wildlife officials and
participating hunters, bone samples were collected from 13 mature desert
bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) rams during the annual hunt. Lungs,
liver, and muscle tissues from several animals were composited and used for
quality assurance samples. The sampling information for these animals is
presented in Table 3 and the collection sites are shown in Figure 2. The
majority of the animals were collected from Clark County in southern Nevada
with five coming from the Desert National Wildlife Range or the Nellis Air
Force Range which are contiguous to the Nevada Test Site.
3
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-~---~
/
m-=:J
Green Spring:
. I
---4
I
I
i_J
~
N
I
I
I
__L-
-~ 77?3
T onopah (150 miles from Mf'r('IJrY)
Desert Game
Range
Scale In Fee!
...... .
10000 0
Las Vegas (65 miles
from Mf'rClIry)
30000
10000
Figure 1.
Location of sampling sites on the Nevada Test Site.
4
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TABLE 2. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE WILDLIFE
Esti-
Animal mated Weight Date
Number Sex Age (kg) Collected Remarks
Mule Deer-1 F 5 70 04/26/78 Accident victim, Area 19, 1 km
from first aid station.
Pregnant with twin male fetuses.
Mule Deer-2 M Near term 8 04/26/78 Twin fetuses from Mule Deer-I.
Bone, kidney, liver, muscle, and
lung samples were composited.
Mule Deer-3 F Adult 57 05/17/78 Accident victim, Area 18, 1 km
north of Camp 17.
Mule Deer-4 M 5 60 07/17/78 Accident victim, Area 18, 1.2 km
west of Camp 17.
Mule Deer-5 F 4 55 08/30/78 Accident victim, Area 12, 3.2 km
south of Area 12 Camp o~
Tippipah Highway.
Mule Deer-6 M 1 45 10/04/78 Accident victim, Area 18, 0.7 km
west of Area 12 Camp along
Pahute Mesa Road.
Horse-1 M 1-2 300 10/09/78 Accident victim, Area 18, 0.7 km
north of Area 17 Camp on Pahute
Mesa Road.
Rabbit-1-A18 M Adult 2 03/26/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 18, on
Buckboard Mesa Road by weather
radar.
Rabbit-2-A18 F Adult 2 03/26/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 18,
on Buckboard Mesa Road by
airport.
Rabbit-3-A18 F Adult 2 03/26/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 18, on
Buckboard Mesa Road by airport.
Rabbit-4-A18 F Ad u 1 t 2 03/26/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 18, on
Buckboard Mesa Road by turnoff
to Scrugham Peak.
(continued)
5
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TABLE 2. (Continued)
-=
Esti-
Animal mated Weight Date
Number Sex Age (k g) Co 11 ected Remarks
Rabbit-5-A18 M Adult 2 03/26/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 18, on
Airport Road.
Rabbit-6-A18 M Ad u 1 t 2 03/26/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 18,
1 km west of corrals.
Rabbit-1-A15 F Adult 2 03/09/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm along equipment row.
Rabbit-2-A15 F Juvenile 2 03/09/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm microplots.
Rabbit-3-A15 M Adult 0.7 03/09/78 Cottontail collected, Area 15,
farm micropl ots.
Rabbit-4-A15 M Ad u 1 t 0.7 03/09/78 Cottontail collected, Area 15,
farm microplots.
Rabbit-5-A15 M Adult 2 03/09/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm reservoir.
Rabbit-6-A15 F Adult 2 03/09/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm reservoir.
Rabbit-7-A15 F Adult 2 03/09/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm reservoir.
Rabbit-8-A15 M Juvenil e 1 03/09/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15.
east side of alfalfa fi e 1 d .
Rabbit-9-A15 F Adult 2.1 10/14/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm east side of alfalfa field.
Rabbi t-10-A15 F Adult 2.2 10/14/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm east side of alfalfa field.
Rabbit-ll-A15 M Adult 2.1 10/14/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm east side of alfalfa fi e 1 d.
Rabbit-12-A15 M Ad u 1 t 0.62 10/14/78 Cottontai 1 collected, Area 15,
farm east side of alfalfa field.
(continued)
6
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TABLE 2. (Continued)
Esti-
An i mal mated Weight Date
Number Sex Age (kg) Collected Remarks
Rabbit-13-A15 M Ad u 1 t 1.7 10/14/78 Jackrabbit collected, Area 15,
farm east side of alfalfa field.
Eagle-1 M Adult 3.2 08/15/78 Electrocuted Well 3 power
substation in Area 6.
Eagle-2 F Ad u 1 t 3.5 11/20/78 Electrocuted power substation,
Mercury Highway and Cane Spring
Road.
Eagle-3 M Adult 3.9 12/11/78 Electrocuted power substation,
Area 5.
Chukar-1 F Adult 0.5 12/12/78 Collected on Holmes Road 3/4 mile
from Stockade Wash, Area 12.
Chukar-2 F Adult 0.8 12/12/78 Collected on Holmes Road above T
Tunnel, Area 12.
7
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TABLE 3. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
Estimated
Animal Age Date Samples
No. Sex (years) Collected Co 11 ected Remarks
1 M 10 12/19/78 bone Hunter kill, 3 miles south of
Quartz Mountain, Pintwater Range,
Area 74*.
2 M 4 11/26/78 bone Hunter kill, White Rock Spring,
Desert National Wildlife Range
(DNWR), Area 73.
3 M 6 11/26/78 bone Hunter kill, Grapevi ne Spri ng,
DNWR, Area 76*.
4 M 6 11/03/78 bone Hunter kill, near Sheep Pass,
Area 76*.
5 M 7 11/21/78 bone Hunter kill, eastern edge of Area
80* near burn.
6 M 7 11/26/78 bone Hunter kill, Echo Wash Peak, Black
Mountains, Area 81*.
7 M 6 12/05/78 bone Hunter kill, Echo Wash, Black
Mountains, Area 81*.
8 M 8 12/11/78 bone Hunter kill, Devil's Peak, Spring
Range, Area 83*.
9 M 4 11/25/78 bone Hunter kill, Highland Guzzler,
Highland Range, Area 84*.
10 M 7 11/26/78 bone Hunter kill, Forlorn Hope,
Eldorado Mountains, Area 85*.
11 M 7 11/30/78 bone Hunter kill, Monkey Wash, Eldorado
Mountains, Area 85*.
12 M 5 11/25/78 bone Hunter kill, 2 miles north of
Gunsight, Las Vegas Range, DNWR,
Area 78.
13 M 8 12/03/78 bone Hunter kill, Fossil Ridge, DNWR,
Area 78*.
14 M 11/14/78 lung, liver, Composite samples used for qua 1 ity
and musc 1 e. assurance.
15 M 11/14/78 lung, liver, Composite samples used for quality
and muscle. assurance.
*Nevada Department of Fish and Game Bighorn Sheep Management Area
DNWR = Desert National Wildlife Range
8
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---'L" ~
,. ,
/ ,
TTR \.. Q.C. SMT. ,
, '
---, TEMPIUTE/
1\ .
HIKO
COYOTE SMT. '\!..
.,
I
HANCOCK SMT.) (
I
Lone Mt.
LlDA .
NTS
NELLIS
AIR FORCE
RANGE
o Indicates collection site of
individual animal
\
SEARCHLIGHT \
\
Figure 2.
Approximate collection sites of 1978 desert bighorn sheep.
9
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ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES AND METHODS
Samples of soft tissues and rumen contents were analyzed by gamma
spectrometry. A sample of blood or tissue was collected from each animal and
analyzed for tritium. The bone was analyzed for Strontium-89 and -90 and
Plutonium-238 and -239. Selected soft tissues were also analyzed for
plutonium content. All of the analyses for tritium, the gamma-emitting
radionuclides, and most of the strontium analyses were performed by the
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory--Las Vegas (EMSL-LV). The
plutonium analyses and a portion of the strontium analyses were performed at
the Albuquerque Laboratory of the Eberline Instrument Corporation (EIC).
Rumen contents and soft tissues of sufficient volume were placed in
300-milliliter aluminum containers with a 10-percent Formalin solution as a
preservative. The containers were then sealed and stored for gamma analysis.
Those of smaller volume, i.e., thyroid gland, tracheobronchial lymph nodes,
etc., were first macerated in a blender, then brought to volume by suspending
in agar. These samples were also sealed in 300-milliliter aluminum.
containers. Muscle, liver, lungs, kidneys, and fetal samples were counted for
approximately 1,200 minutes on lithium-drifted germanium detectors calibrated
at approximately 0.5 kiloelectronvolts per channel in the 60-kiloelectronvolts
to 2-megaelectronvolts range. These detectors are connected to a Nuclear Data
6620 computerized gamma spectral accumulation and analysis system. Other
tissue samples such as thyroids, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, skin, and
gonads, as well as rumen or stomach and gastrointestinal contents, were
analyzed for 1,000 minutes on a 4- by 4-inch NaI (Tl) crystal also connected
to the Nuclear Data 6620 for spectral accumulation. The spectrometer is
calibrated at 10 kiloelectronvolts per channel in the 60-kiloelectronvolt to
2-megaelectronvolt range. The data reduction of the spectra was performed
using a least squares program resident on a CDC-6400 computer.
Tissues for strontium and plutonium analyses were prepared byashing.
Plutonium was analyzed by alpha spectrometry using plutonium-236 as an
internal tracer. Details of these analytical procedures have been published
by Talvitie 1971, 1972; Wish and Rowell 1956; Mitchell 1960; Hagan and
Arrhenius 1963; and Major et al. 1975. Other radionuclide analytical
procedures used at the EMSL-LV were described previously (Johns 1979).
All data are reported at the 95 percent confidence level counting error
and are corrected to time of sample collection. The minimum detectable
activity is defined as the 1 sigma counting error times 3.29. Results which
show a net sample activity less than the MDA are reported as such. The
approximate ~inimum detectable activities and analytical procedures are
summarized in Appendix A.
10
-------
The activity values for Plutonium-239 listed in this report are actually
the sum of the individual isotopic activities of Plutonium-239 and -240. The
alpha emissions of these two isotopes' cannot be separately identified
(resolved) by alpha spectrometric analysis.
Quality assurance samples were included in each group of samples submitted
for plutonium analyses. These were either duplicate samples collected from
sacrificed animals and submitted under a blind identification number or
similar tissue samples purchased at a local market and to which a known amount
of plutonium was added. The data from the former type of quality assurance
samples are included in the data tables of the Appendices while the data from
the spiked samples are presented in Appendix B.
Tissue and lesion samples collected for histopathological examination were
fixed with a la-percent Formalin solution and delivered to a pathologist for
interpretation.
When fresh blood was available, 2 milliliters were withdrawn from the
juglar vein and placed in a heparinized tube, and two blood-smear slides were
made. These were delivered to the Reynolds Electrical and Engineering
Company, Inc., Mercury, Nevada, where a complete blood-cell count was made.
11
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
QUALITY ASSURANCE SAMPLES
Plutonium-238 and -239 analytical data from the duplicate samples (cow
number 10 in the tables of Appendix C) are generally in good agreement. There
was a wide range (2.2 to 327) in the percent deviations for the Plutonium-239
analyses of the spiked samples listed in Appendix B. However, the 327 percent
deviation was for a sample composited from the livers of several desert
bighorn sheep. The sample may have contained a burden of Plutonium-239 prior
to spiking as the reported value of 1.8 pCi is within the limits of
concentrations reported in the livers of desert bighorn sheep sampled during
1977 (Smith et al. 1979). The highest deviation percent of the Plutonium-239
analyses of the remaining quality assurance samples was 58 percent. The
quality of all analyses were assumed to be at this level when conclusions were
drawn from the data.
NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE
The analytical results from tissues collected from the Area 18 beef cattle
are presented in the tables of Appendix C.
The naturally occurring Potassium-40 was the only gamma-emitting
radionuclide consistently detected in both the May and October samples.
Cesium-137 was occasionally detected in the ingesta or soft tissue samples.
Zirconium-95 and Cerium-144 were detected in the May ingesta samples.
Detectable levels of Iodine-131 were consistently found in the thyroids
collected in May. The presence of Iodine-131, Zirconium-95 and Cerium-144 in
ingesta and soft tissue samples collected in May are believed to result from
the fallout from an atmospheric nuclear test conducted by the People's
Republic of China on March 14, 1978.
Tritium was detected in only one beef animal. A concentration of 580 t
250 picocuries of tritium per liter of tissue water was measured in the kidney
of this animal sacrificed in May. This level falls within the range of <300
to 1,900 picocuries per liter of atmospheric moisture (average of <300 pCi/l)
found in air samples collected at Beatty, Nevada for the Noble Gas and Tritium
Surveillance Network (Nuclear Radiation Assessment Division, 1979).
Strontium-90 concentrations in the femur samples from the Area 18 cattle
ranged from 2.4 to 9.2 picocuries per gram of ash with an average of 4.1. As
shown in Figure 3, this value is consistent with those of recent years.
Strontium-89 was not detected in any of the animals' femurs.
12
-------
30
25 - Bighorn Sheep
~ [=::J Deer
'"
~ ~ Cattle
4>
c 0 (Number of Bone Samples)
o 20
a:I
=>
'-
I-' U
W Co
.: 15
.!!
4>
>
4> 10
-'
...
CI)
Ii!
5
o
1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964
1978
Figure 3.
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
Annual averages of 90Sr in bones of cattle, deer and desert
bighorn sheep 1956-1978.
-------
Plutonium-238 is present in the environment primarily as a result of the
burnup of a SNAP-9-A power source (Krey and Krajewski 1972; Hardy et al.
1972). The expected ratio of Plutonium-239 to Plutonium-238 is roughly 25.
However, this expected ratio is seldom reached in the animal tissues listed in
the appendices of this report. The ratios present are quite variable, but
generally range between 1 and 5. It has been postulated (Patterson et al.
1974; and Matlock et al. 1976) that Plutonium-238 may be more rapidly
solubilized and thus potentially more mobile under environmental conditions
than is Plutonium-239. Thus, it is possible that the Plutonium 239:238 ratios
for animal tissue may be lower than the ratios for fallout and soil.
The median concentrations of plutonium from the tables in Appendix Care
summarized in Table 4. As in previous years (1973 through 1977), increased
plutonium activity was noted in the lungs sampled in the fall. It is
postulated that the increases are related to range conditions at that time of
the year, i.e. forage is scant and dry and more soil is probably ingested and
inhaled during the grazing process.
TABLE 4. MEDIAN PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES
FROM NEVADA TEST SITE BEEF CATTLE (pCi/kg wet weight)
Plutonium-238 Plutonium-239
Tissue May October May October
Lungs <1.1 <0.53 <1.1 1.7
Tracheobronchial
lymph nodes NS <3 NS 13
Muscles <1.2 <0.49 <1.2 <0.5
Livers <0.94 <0.52 <0.94 <0.62
Rumen contents 0.82 NS 2.5 NS
Femurs <4.6 <1.1 <4.6 1.8
NS - Not Sampled
Plutonium-239 was detected in the gonads of only one of the NTS beef
animals. Through the cooperation of the University of Nevada, Reno, gonad
sample~ were c?llected from cattle raised in northern Nevada (Table 5). Again
plutonlum was lnfrequently detected. However, positive Plutonium-238 values
were reporte~ from the ovaries of two cows. These data are suspect because
the sample STze was small, ash percentage was high and Plutonium-239 was not
detected.
14
-------
TABLE 5. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN GONADS COLLECTED FROM
CATTLE BORN AND RAISED IN NORTHERN NEVADA
238pu 239pU
An i ma 1 (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%) Sex Age County
835 <0.02 <0.02 4.8 M 1 Washoe
<0.96 <0.96
839 <0.02 <0 .02 4.4 M 1 Washoe
<0.87 <0.87
836 <0.02 <0.02 4.2 M 1 Washoe
<0.84 <0.84
838 <0.02 0.02 :t 0.01 4.2 M 1 Washoe
<0.83 0.83 :t 0.42
844 <0.02 <0.02 4.6 M 1 Washoe
<0.81 <0.91
709 0.02 :t 0.01 <0.02 5.8 F 8 Washoe
1.2 :t 0.58 <1.2
33 <0.02 <0.02 5.3 F 4 Washoe
<1.1 <1.1
3001 <0.03 <0.02 7.0 F 3 Washoe
<2.1 <1.4
233 <0.02 <0.02 6.7 F 3 Washoe
<1.4 <1.4
39 0.05 :t 0.03 <0.02 5.1 F 3 Eureka
2.5 :t 1.5 <1.0
M ed i an <0.02 <0.02 5
<0.99 <0.96
Range 0.019-0.05 <0.19-0.02 4.2-
<0.81-2.5 0.83-<1.4 7
*Wet weight
15
-------
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER
The analytical results from tissues of the Nevada Test Site mule deer are
presented in the tables of Appendix o. As was the case for the Nevada Test
Site cattle, the naturally occurring Potassium-40 was the only gamma-emitting
radionuclide that was consistently detected. Detectable levels of Cesium-137
were occasionally found in the rumen contents and soft tissue samples. The
highest level reported was 70 pCi/kg in muscle tissue collected from deer
number three. Zirconium-95 and Cerium-144 were found only in rumen content
samples.
A deer sacrificed in April had detectable levels of Iodine-131 (7.5 ! 2.3
picocuries/gram) in its thyroid. The source of this radionuclide is thought
to be the atmospheric nuclear test conducted by the People's Republic of China
on March 14. Beryllium-7 was reported in the rumen contents of animal number
six. Although undetected in samples collected in previous years, Beryllium-7
is a naturally occurring radionuclide that is produced by cosmic radiation.
Tritium levels were elevated in the aqueous portion of the kidney tissue
from number six which was sampled near Area 12. This animal had levels of
77,000 picocuries/liter. The source of this tritium is thought to be the
waters that drain from the tunnel test area of Rainier Mesa.
The average Strontium-90 level in bone ash from the Nevada Test Site deer
was 2.6 picocuries/gram which is similar to levels reported in recent years
(Figure 3). Strontium-89 was not detected in any of the bone samples
analyzed.
Although plutonium was occasionally detected in the tissues sampled
(Appendix 0-1), most of the median values reported (Table 6) were below the
minimum detectable limits. Positive values were similar to those reported in
recent years. Plutonium was not detected in any of the gonad samples.
TABLE 6. MEDIAN PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN NEVADA
TEST SITE DEER TISSUES (pCi/kg wet weight)
Tissue 238pu 239pu
Lungs <0.53 <0.98
Muscle <0.62 <1.1
Liver <0.95 <1.3
Rumen contents <0.67 <0.7
Bone <2.0 <2.0
Gonads <0.5 <0.5
16
-------
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
Bone samples were collected from desert bighorn sheep through the
cooperation of licensed hunters. Analytical data are listed in Appendix E.
The average Strontium-90 concentration in the hock bones was 4.5 picocuries
per gram of ash (Figure 3). Strontium-89 was not detected. Plutonium-239
with a range of 2.7 to 13 pCi/kg wet weight was detected in the bones of only
four sheep. Three of the four positive samples were collected from areas to
the east of the Nevada Test Site.
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBITS
Area 18 Rabbits
In March, six Area 18 jackrabbits were collected and selected tissues
sampled. The analytical data are presented in the tables of Appendix G.
Concentrations of most gamma-emitting radionuclides (Potassium-40,
Cesium-137, Cerium-144, and Zirconium-95) detected were of similar magnitude
to those found in corresponding tissues collected from the beef cattle which
also graze this area. Beryllium-7 was detected in the ingesta of three of the
rabbits and was also found in the ingesta of one of the mule deer.
Tritium levels (ranging from <390 to 540 picocuries per liter) in the
aqueous portion of the rabbit muscle tissues were not greatly different from
those found in the Area 18 cattle and were considered to be within normal
environmental limits. Strontium-90 values ranged from 0.7 to 3.9 picocuries
per gram of bone ash with a median value of 1.2 picocuries per gram.
Strontium-89 was not detected in the bones of any of the rabbits.
The median values of plutonium in selected tissues are shown in Table 7.
Plutonium levels in most tissues were similar to those reported from the beef
cattle. However, Plutonium-239 was frequently found in the muscle tissue of
the rabbits and was generally absent in the cattle. This may be the result of
external contamination introduced by shotgun pellets as the rabbits were
collected with a 20-gauge shotgun.
Area 15 Rabbits
Rabbits from the Area 15 experimental farm were collected and sampled in
March and October. Analytical data from analysis of their tissues are
summarized in the tables of Appendix H.
Similar spectra and concentrations of gamma-emitting radionuclides were
observed in the Area 15 rabbit tissues as were found in the Area 18
jackrabbits, except Beryllium-7 was not detected. Tritium concentrations in
the aqueous portion of the Area 15 rabbit tissues were generally an order of
magnitude greater with a median value of 6,400 picocuries per liter and a
range of 2,300 to 14,000 picocuries per liter.
17
-------
TABLE 7. MEDIAN PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN NEVADA TEST SITE
RABBIT TISSUES"(pCi/kg wet weight)
Area 18 Area 15
Tissue 238pu 239pu 238pU 239pu
Muscles <0.58 0.76 ! 0.61 <0.62 1.5 ! 0.49
Internal organs <0.55 2.7 ! 0.55 <0.67 3.6 ! 0.89
G.I. tract <0.72 1.2 ! 1.2 3.7 ! 0.9 54 ! 6.0
Skin <1.2 4.2 ! 1.9 1.8 ! 0.88 15 ! 8.1
Bone <2.1 <2.1 <0.89 <1.5
Strontium-90 values ranged from 2.0 to 13 picocuries per gram of bone ash
with a median value of 4.8 picocuries per gram. Strontium-89 was detected in
one rabbit bone (3.9 ! 1.5 pCi/g of ash).
Table 7 presents the median values of plutonium in selected tissues.
Plutonium concentrations in the bones, muscles, and internal organs were
similar to those from the Area 18 rabbits. However, the levels in tissues
subject to environmental contamination (skin and gastrointestinal tract) were
greatly elevated in animals from Area 15.
These findings and those noted for Area 15 animals in previous reports
(Smith et al. 1977b, 1978a, 1978b, and 1979) indicate that the environs of
Area 15 contain elevated levels of tritium and plutonium when compared to
other Nevada Test Site areas that are frequently sampled by the Animal
Investigation Program.
NEVADA TEST SITE CHUKARS
Two Area 12 chukars were collected and sampled in December. The data from
their tissues are reported in Appendix H. Detectable levels of tritium were
found in the aqueous portion of each bird IS muscle tissue (1,500 and 700
picocuries per liter, respectively). The bone ash from the birds contained
6.3 and 13 picocuries of Strontium-90 per gram of ash, respectively.
Plutonium-239 was found in the ingesta and internal organs of both birds.
The levels of chukar number one were five times greater than those in chukar
number two. However, this ratio was reversed in the bones as bone ash from
chukar number one contained 3.4 pCi/g ash and that from chukar number two
contained 13 pCi/g ash.
18
-------
NEVADA TEST SITE EAGLES
Three golden eagles were electrocuted at various NTS power substations.
Their bodies were sampled and the data are presented in Appendix I. No
unexpected radionuclides were detected and the levels were generally similar
to those found in previous years (Smith et al. 1979). However, the aqueous
portion of the muscle from eagle number two contained 47,000 I 813 picocuries
of tritium per liter. The source of this tritium is unknown. Strontium-90
levels in the bone ash were one-half to one-fourth lower than that in the
chukars and ranged from 1.9 to 5.4 picocuries per gram. Plutonium-239 levels
in the eagle's bones, ingesta and internal organs were also several fold lower
than in the chukar.
NEVADA TEST SITE FERAL HORSE
In November, a feral horse was struck by a vehicle on the Pahute Mesa Road
in Area 18. This animal was necropsied and tissue samples were collected.
The analytical data from these samples are listed in Appendix J.
Levels of tritium and of gamma-emitting radionuclides detected in the
horse's tissue were similar to that found in Area 18 cattle. The bone ash
contained 9.4 picocuries of Strontium-90 per gram which was generally a factor
of two higher than levels found in bones from the Area 18 cattle.
Strontium-90 levels in a horse sampled during 1977 also exceeded thos~ found
in the beef cattle (Smith et al. 1979).
Detectable levels of Plutonium-239 were found in the horse's liver, lung,
and bone tissues. However, these values were similar to those detected in
cattle tissues.
NEVADA TEST SITE WATERS
Several natural springs that serve as a source of water for wildlife were
sampled during 1978. These waters were analyzed for gamma-emitting
radionuclides and tritium. The analytical results are presented in Table 8.
Detectable levels of tritium and gamma-emitting radionuclides other than
naturally occurring Potassium-40 were not observed in any of the spring
waters. Spring locations are shown in Figure 1.
NECROPSY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS
All sacrificed animals were necropsied and selected tissue and lesion
samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. The gross and
microscopic pathology observed are summarized in Appendix K. Also included in
this appendix are the results of hematology examinations when performed.
Blood samples from cattle were collected prior to death.
As in previous years, sarcocysts were frequently detected in cattle and
deer cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues. This is a ubiquitous parasite of
19
-------
TABLE 8. TRITIUM AND GAMMA ANALYSIS OF SPRING WATERS, NEVADA TEST SITE
K 3H
Spring Name Date Sampled (g/kg) ( pC i /1 )
Cane 05/11
-------
based on postulated consumption of the edible tissues has been calculated.
The dose estimates are not presented. as an implication of potential doses, but
rather to place the reported radionuclide concentrations in perspective. The
dose estimates are based on the techniques and parameters of the International
Commission for Radiation Protection (1959. 1968) and Dillman (1969). The
estimates were calculated using the maximum observed concentrations of the
radionuclides in edible tissues of the cattle and deer sampled (summarized in
Table 9), and the postulated consumption of 500 grams (about 1 pound) of the
meat each day for a year. The minimum detectable values of Table 9 were used
in the dose calculations when they were the maximum value for a given tissue.
The International Commission for Radiation Protection (1959) and the U.S.
Department of Energy (1977) present different dose criteria for various parts
of the body, based on estimates of relative radiosensitivity. The National
Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (1971) recognizes this
philosophy, but recommends simplifying the guides for the general population,
and uses the minimum guide (0.5 rem per year to the whole body for an
individual in an uncontrolled area) for all body organs. The National Council
on Radiation Protection and Measurements emphasizes that this is a simplifying
administrative decision, rather than a reduction of the guides based on new
technical information.
Table 9 presents a summary of the maximum observed concentrations in
selected tissues of the animals. The indicated error terms are the t~o-sigma
counting errors. The total analytical errors or uncertainties (two-sigma) for
the plutonium results are estimated to be about 200 femtocuries per kilogram
for results of several hundred femtocuries per kilogram, or several times the
indicated counting errors. Thus, differences between values, when the values
are under several hundred femtocuries per kilogram, have limited statistical
significance given the total analytical uncertainties of the results.
Table 10 indicates postulated doses based on the data for maximum
concentrations for the various nuclides summarized in Table 9. The column on
the right indicates the respective fraction of the radiation protection guide
of 500 millirems per year for the various postulated doses. The doses from
plutonium and, to a. lesser extent, Cesium-137, are not delivered in 1 year.
For practical purposes, however, the integrated doses for a I-year ingestion
period are related to the yearly guide.
Th~ highest postulated dose, 1.4 millirems, would result from ingesting
deer meat and is based on the assumption that the tritium concentrations in
the animal IS muscle could be similar to that detected in the kidney. This
dose is 0.3 percent of the guide of 500 millirems per year. All of the other
postulated doses are about 1 millirem or less and are similar to those
estimated for 1976 and 1977 (Smith et al. 1978b, and 1979).
21
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TABLE 9. SUMMARY OF PEAK RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES FROM
NEVADA TEST SITE ANIMALS
Area 18 Cattle, May 1978 Area 18 Cattle, October 1978
Muscle Liver Thyroid Kidney Muscle Liver Thyroid Blood
Nuclide (pCi/kg) (pCi/kg) (pCi/g) (pCi/l) (pCi/kg) (pCi/kg) (pCi/g) ( pC i /1 )
131 I
-------
TABLE 10.
POSTULATED DOSE TO MAN FOllOWING INGESTION OF SELECTED TISSUES
FOR. 1 YEAR
Nuc I ide
Human Organ for which
Dose was Calculated
Animal Tissue Containing
Maximum Concentration
pCi/kg of
Tissue
Dose Factor
mrem:pCi/day
(I-year
Ingestion)*
Dose
(mrem)
Percent
(0.5 rem)
3Ht Body water NTS mule deer, kidney 77 ,00010 3.6 x lO-s 1.4 0.3
13 7CS Whole body tissue Area 18, cattle, muscle 90 t 2B 0.022 0.99 0.2
238pU Bone NTS mule deer, liver 4.1 t 0.9 0.27 0.55 0.1
239pu Bone Area 18, cattle, liver 6.9 t 1.2 0.32 1.1 0.2
*The doses from Plutonium-238 anQ -239, and to a lesser extent Cesium-I37, are not deliverea-within the
I-year ingestion period, but, for simplification, the doses have been related to the guide for 1 year.
The doses for plutonium are actually for a 50-year period resulting from ingestion over a I-year period.
tThe tritium concentration was for kidney. It is assumed the muscle concentration (water plus organic)
was equal to that of the kidney.
*pCi 11 iter
23
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
DEER MIGRATION STUDY
During the summer and fall months, August through November 1978, a total
of 19 Nevada Test Site mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) was captured (Table 11)
either by chemical restraint of free-ranging animals (Smith et al. 1978a) or
by trapping (Giles 1979). Ten of these deer were outfitted with collars
containing new radio transmitters, ear tags, and reflective numbers. Three
deer were outfitted with reconditioned radio transmitter collars that had been
recovered from previously marked deer- Visual markers (ear tags and
reflective collars) were placed on the remaining six captured deer.
Seven of the deer were captured at the Area 19 trapsite and immobilized
with M-99 (etorphine). The other 12 deer were captured with a Cap Chur gun
(Palmer Chemical Company) and immobilized with Sernylan (phencyclidine
hydrochloride), and acepromazine maleate (Ayerest Laboratories, Inc.).
Three of the 19 deer captured died within several weeks of their capture.
Two died from accidental falls in steep, rocky terrain, and one was killed by
a mountain lion (Felis concolur). Another deer (a doe) was killed by coyotes
(Canis latrans) in the 15- to 20-minute time interval between darting the
animal with immobilizing drugs and then relocating. This animal was not
included in the total number of animals captured because she was never tagged
and given an 1.0. number.
As shown in Figure 4, the deer captured in Areas 19 and 20 wintered in the
Timber Mountain, 40-Mile Canyon, and Yucca Mountains regions with frequent
side trips into the Nellis Bombing and Gunnery Range and Beatty Wash areas.
An exception was a doe (number 6, white) which wintered over the western
boundary of the Nevada Test Site on the Nellis Bombing and Gunnery Range
northeast of Beatty, Nevada, between Timber Mountain and Black Mountain.
Deer captured in Area 12 on or near Rainier Mesa wintered on Shoshone
Mountain and in Area 30 (Figure 4). In the latter area, there is some mixing
of animals from both summer ranges (Pahute and Rainier Mesas). To date there
has been very little mixing of animals on the summer ranges. During October
of the 1978 hunting season, a deer originally captured on October 26 1977
was kil~ed by a hunter at the Breen Ranch, south of Kawich Peak. Du;ing this
I-year lnterval, the deer had traveled at least 120 kilometers from its
capture point to the area where it was killed. The radio transmitter which
was still operating, was recovered and reconditioned for use during 1979.
24
-------
TABLE 11. 1978 DEER CAPTURED
Age Weight
Animal Estimated Estimated Date Date
I.D. Sex (years) (kg) Captured Location Death Location Recapture Cooments
i-White M 5-6 47 08/10/78 A-19 Echo Peak Old Recaptured. Wi ntered north end of
traps. No. i-Blue Timber Mountain.
2-White M 2-3 50 08/09/78 A-20 First Aid Wintered in 40-Mile Canyon.
Station.
3-White F 4-5 45 08/16/78 A-19 North end of Lactating female. Wi ntered on the
Burn Valley northeast portion of Timber
Mountain.
4-White M 1-2 48 08/15/78 A-12 Rainier Mesa 09/04/78 Rainier Mesa Accidental death due to fall.
south end. above G Tunnel. Unable to recover radio due to the
steep hillside.
5-White M 2-3 50 08/19/78 A-19 Echo Peak Wintered on west edge of Timber
N traps. Mountain and Bombing and Gunne~y
U1 Range east of Beatty, Nevada.
6-White F 3-4 46 08/22/78 A-19 1.5 miles Lactating female. Wintered off the
northwest of traps Nevada Test Site between Black
on Echo Peak. Mountain and Area 20.
7-White M 4-5 86 08/23/78 A-12 Rainier Mesa, Winter in Area 30 and 4O-Hi le
First Aid Station. Canyon area.
8-White M 2-3 56 08/08/78 A-19 Dead Horse 08/20/78 3/4 mile north of Appeared to be accidental death due
Flat Road by capture site. to fall in rocks. Radio was
U1ge. recovered.
8-White M 3-5 65 09/19/78 A-19 Echo Peak Wintered in Area 30, 40-Mile Canyon
traps. and Buggy Site.
9-White F 3-4 64 09/20/78 A-20 1.5 miles Lactating female. Wi ntered on
southwest of Timber Mountain.
Camp Site.
(continued)
-------
TABLE 11. (Continued)
Age Weight
Animal Estimated Estimated Date Date
I.D. Sex (years) (kg) Captured location Death location Recapture COI1I11e nt s
10-White M 4-5 85 09/20/78 A-19 Echo Peak Wintered west of Timber Mountain
traps. off the Nevada Test Site.
Difficult to track due to few
sightings.
4-Blue F 2-3 45 08/05/78 A-19 Dead Horse 08/10/78 4 miles east of lion kill, confirmed by Nevada Fish
Flat Road U1ge. capture site. and Game personnel, who helped
recover the radio.
4-Blue M 3-4 83 10/04/78 A-19 0.5 mile Wintered in Yucca Mountains, Beatty
west of Ul9as. Wash area off the Nevada Test
Site.
8-Blue H 1-2 45 08/05/78 A-12 Rainier Hesa Wintered Area 29 and 14 on Shoshone
north end. Mountain east side.
N I-Blue F 4-5 64 10/05/78 A-19 Echo Peak Wintered Timber Mountain and'
0">
traps. Bombing and Gunnery Range.
G H 5-6 100 09/20/78 A-19 Echo Peak Given ear tags and reflective
traps. number. Sighted 09/22/78.
H F 3-4 48 10/06/78 A-19 Echo Peak Given ear tags and reflective
turnoff. nutrber. Sighted 10/19/78 with one
fawn.
H 0.25 2 10/24/78 A-19 Echo Peak A fawn which was given ear tags
traps. only.
J H 1-2 46 11/08/78 A-12 G Tunnel turnoff. Given ear tags and refl ect i ve
number.
-------
\U_-/\
~~---~
, "
...
...
"
Scale In Feet
"".... .
1 0000 0
\
\
\
: 0 Summer Capture Areas
JI II Wintering Areas
--- ---~-- ------,
1.' 1', . Oak Sprong Tub Sprong
Inter Mesa .----
White Rock --- Experomental Farm
, . H I
! .1>', "Sprong I I ~
~ .~J '..~ . I
\t ~IIN' - I ---
I
I
IU I
----~
Green Sprong:
. I
---I
I
I
I
---~
Air I
Strip
I
I
i ---,J
~
j
I N R 0 S I
(~e:~e :
f--.. L-l:"--
H"",v 95
I
I
_L-
-~- 7223
Mercuryl
Desert Game
Range
Las Vegas (65 miles
from Mercuryl
30000
10000
Figure 4.
1978 Mule deer capture and wintering areas.
27
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INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER PROJECTS
During 1978, there were no livestock damage claims against the U.S.
Department of Energy.
The natural springs of the Nevada Test Site were monitored on a periodic
basis and repaired or rehabilitated as indicated.
As part of a Nevada Applied Ecology Group sponsored study, the
rumen-fistulated steers were grazed on six different Nevada Test Site and
Tonopah Test Range nuclear sites. Ingesta samples were collected for
botanical and radionuclide analyses. The data from this study will be
published at a later date as a Nevada Applied Ecology Group report.
The Nevada Test Site beef herd
transferring 40 surplus animals to
planned to further reduce the herd
40 animals.
was reduced to a more manageable size by
the University of Nevada, Reno. It is
during 1979 until it numbers approximately
PUBLIC INFORMATION
The offsite public information program continued by direct contact with
ranchers, by public displays, by lectures to civic organizations, and.by
briefings of groups touring the Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory--Las Vegas or the Nevada Test Site facilities. During 1978, the
objectives and findings of the Animal Investigation Program were presented to
342 Nevada Test Site visitors in 23 different tour groups. Approximately 250
additional casual visitors to the farm received informal briefings.
Representatives of United Press International and the Los Angeles Times were
also briefed on the Animal Investigation Program's activities.
28
-------
REFE~ENCES
Brown, K. W. and B. J. Mason. 1968. Range Survey, Area 18, Nevada Test Site.
SWRHL-52r. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare,
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 42 pp.
Dillman, L. T. 1969. "Radionuclide decay schemes and nuclear parameters for
use in radiation-dose estimation.11 Medical Internal Radiation Dose
Committee. J. Nucl. Med. Supplement No.2. March 1969.
Fountain, E. L. 1961. Offsite Animal Investigation Project. Fourth Annual
Report. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Nevada Operations Office, Las
Vegas, Nevada. 32 pp.
Giles, K. R. 1979. A summer trapping method for mule deer. EMSL-LV-0539-27.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 5 pp.
Hagan, V. I. and G. Arrhenius.
Talanta 10:865.
1963.
"Ion exchange in mixed solvent.,i
Hardy, E., P. Krey, and H. Volchok. 1972. Global Inventory and Distribution
of 238pu from SNAP-9A. HASL-250. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. March
1972.
International Commission on Radiological Protection. 1959.
Committee lIon Permissible Dose for Internal Radiation.
No.2.
Report of
ICRP Report
International Commission on Radiological Protection. 1968. Evaluation of
Radiation Doses to Body Tissues from Internal Contamination Due to
Occupational Exposure. ICRP Report No. 10.
Johns, F. B. 1979. National Environmental Research Center - Las Vegas
Handbook of Radiochemical Analytical Methods. EMSL-LV-0539-17. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 109 pp.
Krey, P. W. and B. T. Krajewski. 1972.
Flats." HASL-249. pp.I-67. l..!:!:
Program Quarterly Summary Report.
"Plutonium Isotopic Ratios at Rocky
Health and Safety Laboratory Fallout
E. P. Hardy, Jr. I -1 - F -1 P p .
Leavitt, V. D. 1970. Soil Survey of Area 18, Nevada Test Site. SWRHL-74.
U.S. Depa~tment of Health, Education, and Welfare, Southwestern
Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 119 pp.
29
-------
Major, W. J., K. D. Lee, and R. A. Wessman. 1975. "Analysis of 239pu and
241Am in NAEG Large-Sized Bovine-Samples." NVO-153. l!!: The
Radioecology of Plutonium and Other Transuranics in Desert Environments.
M. G. White and P. B. Dunaway (eds.). U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
Matlock, G. M., J. H. Patterson, G. B. Nelson, and G. R. Waterburg.
Dissolution Rates of 238pu02 and 239pu02 in 1 M Perchloric Acid.
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.
Merck and Company, Inc. 1973. The Merck Veterinary Manual. Fourth Edition.
O. H. Siegmund (ed.). Merck and Company, Inc., Rahway, New Jersey.
1,618 pp.
1976.
UC-4.
Mitchell, R. F. 1960. "Electrodeposition of actinide elements at tracer
concentrations." Anal. Chem. 32:326.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.
Radiation Protection Criteria. Report No. 39.
1971 .
Basic
Nuclear Radiation Assessment Division. 1979. Offsite Environmental
Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test Site and Other Test Areas Used for
Underground Nuclear Detonations January Through December.
EMSL-LV-0539-31. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory. Las Vegas, Nevada. 160 pp.
Patterson, J. H., G. B. Nelson, and G. M. Matlock. 1974.
Plutonium-238 in Environmental and Biological Systems.
Alamos Scientific Laboratory. 6 pp.
The Dissolution of
LA-5624. Los
Radeleff, R. D.
pp. 197-198.
Veterinary Toxicology.
1964.
Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
Smith, D. D. 1970. Management History of the AEC Beef Herd - 1 June 1964 - 1
June 1969. SWRHL-80r. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare,
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 26 pp.
Smith, D. D. and K. R. Giles. 1970. Animal Investigation Program 1969 Annual
Report. SWRHL-102r. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare,
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory. Las Vegas, Nevada. 20 pp.
Smith, D. D. and K. R. Giles. 1974. Animal Investigation Program 1970 Annual
Report. NERC-LV-539-16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National
Environmental Research Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. 53 pp.
Smith, D. D. and K. R. Giles. 1975. 1971 Animal Investigation Program Annual
Report. NERC-LV-539-20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National
Environmental Research Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. 39 pp.
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, and D. E. Bernhardt. 1976.
Program. 1972 Annual Report. NERC-LV-539-35. U.S.
Protection Agency, National Environmental Research
Nevada. 82 pp.
Animal Investigation
Environmental
Center, Las Vegas,
30
-------
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, and D. E. Bernhardt. 1977a. Animal Investigation
Program 1973 Annual Report: Nevqda Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-3. u.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 31 pp. Apps. A-H.
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. 1977b. Animal
Investigation Program 1974 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-10. u.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 37 pp. Apps. A-L.
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. 1978a. Animal
Investigation Program 1975 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 48 pp. Apps. A-H.
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. 1978b. Animal
Investigation Program 1976 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 111 pp.
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, A. B. Crockett, and R. R.
Kinnison. 1979. Animal Investigation Program 1977 Annual Report: Nevada
Test Site and Vicinity. EMSL-LV-0539-26. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada.
90 pp. Apps. A-K.. .
Stanley, R. E., E. W. Bretthauer, and W. W. Sutton. 1975. "Absorption,
Distribution, and Excretion of Plutonium by Dairy Cattle." NVO-153.
pp. 97-124. In: The Radioecology of Plutonium and Other Transuranics in
Desert Environments. Nevada Applied Ecology Group Progress Report. June
1975. M. G. White and P. B. Dunaway (eds.). U.S. Energy Research and
Development Administration, Las Vegas, Nevada. 504 pp.
Talvitie, N. A. 1971. "Radiochemical determination of plutonium in
environmental and biological samples by ion exchange." Anal. Chem.
43:1827-1830.
Talvitie, N. A. 1972. "Electrodeposition of actinides for alpha
spectrometric determination." Anal. Chem. 44:280-282.
U.S. Department of Energy. 1977. "Standards for Radiation Protection
Manual." U.S. Department of Energy Transmittal Notice. Chapter 0524.
March 30, 1977.
Wish, L. and M. Rowell. 1956. Sequential Analysis of Tracer Amounts of Np,
U, and Pu in Fi ss ion-Product Mi xtures _by An i on Exchange.
USNRDL-TR-117. Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory, San Francisco,
California. 34 pp. October 11, 1956. .
31
-------
LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES
Table
A-1
Summary of Analytical Procedures and Minimum Detectable
Act i vi tie s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B-1
Plutonium Quality Assurance Results. . .
.........
. . . .
C-1
Plutonium Concentrations in Lungs, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NT S, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
C-2 Plutonium Concentrations in Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes,
Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C-3 Plutonium Concentrations in Mu sc 1 es, Beef Catt 1 e, Area 18,
NTS, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
C-4 Plutonium Concentrations i n L i v e rs, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NTS, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
C-5 Plutonium Concentrations in Gonads, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NTS, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
C-6 Plutonium Concentrations in Rumen Contents, Beef Cattle,
Area 18, NTS, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
C-7 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Femurs, Beef Cattle,
Area 18, NTS, May 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C-8 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Femurs, Beef Cattle,
Area 18, NTS, October 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C-9 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Tritium Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS. May 1978. .
. . . .
C-10 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Tritium Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, October 1978. . . .
0-1
Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Mule Deer,
NT S, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0-2 Plutonium Concentrations in Gonads, Mule Deer, NTS, 1978 . . . . .
0-3 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones (Hock),
Mule Deer, NTS, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.....
32
Page
34
35
36
37
42
43
44
45
46
47
47
-------
Table
G-2
LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES (Continued)
Page
0-4
Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Mule Deer, NTS, 1978. . . . . . .
.....
48
E-1
Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Desert Bighorn
Sheep) 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
F-1
Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 18, NTS, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 50
. . . . . 51
. . . . . 52
F-2 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bone and Skin,
Rabbits, Area 18, NTS, 1978. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Rabbits, Area 18, NTS, 1978 . . .
G-1
Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 15, NTS, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 53
. . . . 54
Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Rabbits,
Area 15, NTS, 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionclides and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Rabbits, Area 15, NTS, 1978 . .
H-1
J -1
......
55
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Chukar, NTS, 1978. . . . . .
57
1-1
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Eagles, NTS, 1978. . . . . .
58
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Horse, NTS, 1978. . . . . . .
59
33
-------
TABLE A-I.
SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES AND MINIMUM DETECTABLE ACTIVITIES
Type of Counting
Analytical Period Analytical Sample Minimum Detectable Activities
Analysis Equipment (min) Procedu res Size (pCi/total sample)*
Gamma Lithium-drifted germanium detectors calibrated Q,200 Radionuclide concentrations 300-ml For: s4Mn, 60CO, 95Zr,I03Ru, 124 Sb, 132Te
Spectroscopy at approximately 0.5 keY per channel input to quantitated from gamma spec- aluminum 131r, 1341, 137CS, 140Ba - 7 pCi
4096 channels resident in the core of the trum by Nuclear Data 6620 cans
Nuclear Data 6620 computer-based gamma computer-based ga~ spec- For: 125Sb 14ICS, - 30 pCi
spectrometry system. trometry system using vendor For: 65Zn' I06Ru, 144Ce - 20 pCi
IBI '
supplied software. For: W - 85 pCi
or by
10-cm-thick by 10-em-diameter NaI (Tl-activated) 1,000 Radionuclide concentration 300-ml For: 241Am - 35 pCi
crystal with input to Nuclear Data 6620 cali- quantitated by CDC-64oo aluminum
brated at 10 keY per channel in the 60 keY to computer using Least Squares cans For: 22Na - 4 pCi
w 2 meV range. Technique. For: I( - 0.08 9
.j::>o 89-90 Sr
Low-background thi n-wi ndow, gas-flow propor- 50 Chemical separation by ion 2 9 of For: B9Sr - 5 pCi
tional counter with a 5.7-em diameter window exchange. Separated sample ash 90Sr - 3 pCi
(80 jlg/cm2). counted successively;
activity calculated by
simultaneous equations.
3H Automatic liquid scintillation counter with 200 Sample prepared by distil- 5 ml 0.4 pCi/ml H20
output pri nter. lation.
23B-239pu Alpha spectrometer with silicon surface 400- Ash sampl e is di gested wi th 100 9 - For all isotopes - 0.04 pCi
barrier detectors operated in vacuum 1,400 acid, purified by solvent 1 kg wet
chambers. extraction and/or ion ex- weight
change, electroplated on
stainless steel planchet, 1 - 10 9
and counted by alpha spec- of ash
trometer.
*The minimum detectable activities in terms of total activity per sample for standard geometries and counting times are defined as those activities which
equal 3.29 sigma (counting error) [Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EHL-formerly HASL) Procedures Manual, HASL-3oo, pages 0-08-02 through 0-08-06,
August 1974]. These values are approximations and are applicable to ideal conditions and simple complexes of nuclides. Complex spectra Jr spectra showing
naturally occurring radionuclides can raise the minimum detectable activities considerably. The detection limit for each radionuclide is defined as that
radioactivity which equals the 3.29 sigma counting error.
-------
TABLE B-1. PLUTONIUM QUALITY ASSURANCE RESULTS
Wet
Tissue Weight Acitivity Added Activity Reported %
Type ( g) Nuclide (pCi/sample) (pCi/sample) Deviation*
Livert 788 239pu 0 <0.5
238pu 2.2 3.0 :t 0.99 36
Livert 366 239pu 0.52 0.8 :t 0.4 54
238pu 0 <0.2
Livert 586 239pu 2.1 0.88 :t 0.22 58
238pu 0 <0.22
Livert 420 239pu 5.1 5.0 :t 1.0 2.2
238pu 0 <0.25
Musclet 466 239pu 0 <0.2
238pu 3.3 2.5 :t 0.39 23
Musc 1 et 462 239pu 0.42 0.5 :t 0.25 19
238pu 0 <0.25
Musclet 602 239pu 1.1 1.2 :t 0.29 11
238pu 0 0.22
Musclet 717 239pu 0.74 0.87 :t 0.44 18
238pu 0 0.44
Muscle:f 248 239pu 0.28 0.25 :t 0.11 12
238pu 0 <0.005
Muscle:f 230 239pu 0.77 0.33 :t 0.13 57
238pu 0 <0.03
Liver:f 192 239pu 0.61 3.13 :t 1.2 327
238pu 0 1.8 :t 0.82
Liver:/: 240 239pU 2.09 2.2 :t 0.45 5
238pu 0 <0.099
Lung:/: 201 239pu 0.28 0.41 :t 0.19 46
238pu 0 <0.068
Lung=l= 204 239pu 1.21 0.86 :t 0.23 29
238pu 0 <0.66
*% deviation = x - u x 100 where x = activity reported
u u = activity added
tLiver and muscle purchased at local meat market.
=l=Lung, liver, and muscle composited from several desert bighorn sheep
killed by hunters.
35
-------
TABLE C-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LUNGS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
May 1978 October 1978
238pu 239pu 238Pu 239Pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%) Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 <0.02 0.04 :t 0.01 5.5 7 0.01 :t 0.01 0.03 :t 0.01 5.6
<1.1 2.2 :t 0.55 0.56 :t 0.56 1.7 :t 0.56
2 <0.02 <0.02 5.6 8 0.01 :t 0.01 0.02 :t 0.01 5.0
<1.1 <1.1 0.50 :t 0.50 1.0 :t 0.50
3 0.02 :t 0.01 0.03 :t 0.01 5.4 9 0.11 :t 0.02 0.42 :t 0.04 5.0
1.1 :t 0.54 1.6 :t 0.54 5.5 :t 1.0 21 :t 2.0
w 4 <0.02 <0.02 5.7 10 0.01 :t 0.01 0.05 :t 0.01 4.8'
Q)
<1.1 <1.1 0.48 :t 0.48 2.4 :t 0.48
5 0.02 :t 0.01 0.03 :t 0.01 3.7 Dupl . 0.01 :t 0.01 0.04 :t 0.01 5.3
0.74 :t 0.37 1.1 :t 0.37 10 <0.53 2.1 :t 0.53
6 <0.02 <0.02 3.8 11 <0.01 0.01 :t 0.01 4.9
<0.76 <0 . 76 <0.49 0.49 :t 0.49
12 0.01 :t 0.01 0.01 :t 0.01 4.8
0.48 :t 0.48 0.48 :t 0.48
Median <0.02 <0.025 5.4 Median 0.01 0.03 5.0
<1.085 <1.13 <0.53 1.7
Range <0.02-<0.02 <0.02-0.04 3.7- RaAge <0.01-0.11 0.01-0.42 4.8-
<0.76-<1.1 <0.76-2.2 5.7 0.48-5.5 0.48-21 5.6
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE C-2. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN TRACHEOBRONCHIAL LYMPH NODES~ BEEF CATTLE~ AREA 18, NTS, 1978
May 1978
October 1978
An i ma 1
Number
238pU
( pC i / 9 As h )
( pC i / kg * )
239pU
( pC i / 9 As h )
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
(%)
Animal
Number
238pU
( pC i / 9 As h )
( pC i / k g* )
239pU
( pC i / 9 As h)
( pC i / k g* )
Ash
(%)
1 Samples not collected 7 0.14:!: 0.09 0.41:!: 0.16 5.6
7.9 :!: 5.1 23 :!: 9.0
2 Samples not collected 8 0.06:!: 0.04 1.4 :!: 0.3 7.9
4.7 :!: 3.2 110 23
3 Samples not collected 9 0.58:!: 0.24 5.5 :!: 1.0 6..2
36 :!: 15 340 :!: 62
w
-...J
4 Samples not collected 10 <0.01 0.02:!: 0.01 11
<1.07 2.1 :!: 1.1
5 Samples not collected 11 <0.01 0.01 :!: 0.01 6.9
<0 .69 0.69:!: 0.69
6 Samples not collected 12 <0.01 <0.01 12
<1.2 <1.2
Med i a n Medi an <.04 0.22 7.4
<3 13
Range RaRge <0.01-0.58 <0.01-5.5 5.6-
0.69-36 0.69-340 12
*Wet wei ght
-------
TABLE C-3. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN MUSCLES, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
May 1978 October 1978
238 Pu 239pU 238 Pu 239pu
Animal ( pC i / 9 As h) (pC i / 9 As h) Ash Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Numb e r (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (%) Number (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (%)
1 <0.02 <0 .0 2 5.5 7 <0 .0 1 <0.01 5.2
<1.1 <1.1 <0.52 <0.52
2 <0.02 0.02 :t 0.01 5.1 8 <0.01 <0.01 6.6
<1.0 1.0 :t 0.51 <0.66 <0 .66
3 <0.02 <0 .02 6.3 9 <0 .0 1 <0 .0 1 4.8
<1.3 <1.3 <0.47 <0.47
4 <0.02 <0.02 6.0 Fetu s <0.01 <0.02 4.9
<1.2 <1.2 9 <0 . 4 3 <0 .85
<..oJ <0 .0 1
co 5 <0 .02 <0 .02 6.6 10 <0 .01 4.6
<1.3 <1.3 <0.49 <0.49
6 0.02 :t 0.01 <0.02 4.7 Du pl. <0.01 <0.01 5.1
0.94 :t 0.47 <0.94 10 <0.49 <0.49
11 <0.01 <0.01 4.3
<0.46 <0.46
12 <0.01 <0.01 4.9
<0 . 51 <0 . 51
Median <0.02 <0.02 5.5 Median <0.01 0.01 4.9
<1.15 <1.15 <0.49 0.50
Ra nge <0 .0 2 <0.02-<0.02 4.7 - Ra'nge <0.01-<0.01 <0.01-<0.02 4.3-
0.94-<1.3 <0.94-<1.3 6.6 <0.43-<0.66 <0.46 - <0.85 6.6
*Wet we i ght
-------
TABLE C-4. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LIVERS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
May 1978 October 1978
238pu 239 Pu 238 Pu 239 Pu
Animal ( pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (%) Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 0.04 :t 0.01 0.06 :t 0.02 4.0 7 <0 .0 1 0.01 :t 0.01 3.5
1.6 :t 0.40 2.4 :t 0.8 <0.55 0.55 :t 0.55
2 <0.02 0.02 :t 0.01 3.2 8 <0.01 0.02 :t 0.01 4.3
<0 .63 0.63 :t 0.32 ~ <0.35 0.70 :t 0.35
3 <0.02 0.02 :t 0.01 5.3 9 <0.01 0.02 :t 0.01 1.7
<1.1 1.1 :t 0.52 <0.43 0.86 :t 0.43
v,) 4 <0.02 <0.02 4.6 10 <0.01 0.01 :t 0.01 5.2
\.0 <0.93 <0 . 93 <0 . 1 7 0.17 :t 0.17
5 <0.02 <0.02 4.7 Dupl. <0 . 0 1 0.01 :t 0.01 5.8
<0.93 <0.93 10 <0.52 0.52 :t 0.52
6 <0.02 <0.02 4.7 11 <0.01 0.12 :t 0.02 6.2
<0.94 <0.94 <0.58 6.9 :t 1.2
12 <0 . 0 1 <0.01 5.4
<0.62 <0.62
Medi an <0.02 <0 . 0 2 4.7 Medi an <0.01 0.01 5.2
<0.94 <0.94 <0.52 <0 . 62
Range <0.02-0.04 <0.02-0.06 3.2- Range <0.01-<0.01 <0.01-0.12 1.7-
<0.63-1.6 <0.63-2.4 5.3 <0 .17 -<0 .62 O. 17 -6 .9 6.2
*Wet we i ght
-------
TABLE C-5. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN GONADS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
May 1978 October 1978
238pu 239pu 238pu 239pu
Animal ( pC i / 9 As h) (pCi / 9 As h) Ash Animal ( pC i / 9 As h) (pCi / 9 As h) Ash
Numb e r ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (%) Numb e r ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 <0 .02 <0 .02 5.0 7 <0 .01 <0 .01 18
<1.0 <1.0 <1.8 <1.8
2 Sample not collected 8 Sample not collected
3 Sample not collected 9 <0.01 <0.01 10
<1.0 <1.0
.+::>
a
4 <0.10 <0 . 0 2 4.0 10 <0 . 0 1 0.01 ! 0.01 5.1
<4.0 <0.81 <0.51 0.51 ! 0.51
5 <0.02 <0.02 0.06 11 <0.01 <0.01 4.8
<0.01 <0 .0 1 <0.48 <0.48
6 Sample not collected 12 <0 .01 <0.01 3.1
<0.31 <0.31
Medi an <0 . 0 2 <0 .02 4.0 Medi an <0 .0 1 <0 .01 5.1
<1.0 <0.81 <0.51 <0.51
Range <0.02-<0.10 <0.02-0.02 0.06 - Raflge <0.01-<0.01 <0.01-0.01 3.1-
<0.01-<4.0 <0.01-1.0 5.0 <0.31-<1.8 <0.31-<1.8 18
*Wet wei ght
-------
TABLE C-6. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN RUMEN CONTENTS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
May 1978 October 1978
238pU 239Pu 238pu 239pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%) Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 0.02 :t 0.01 0.15:t 0.03 4.1 Samples not collected as fed hay
0.82 :t 0.41 6.1 :t 1.2
2 0.05 :t 0.02 0.07:t 0.02 3.6 Samples not collected as fed hay
1.8 :t 0.72 2.5 :t 0.72
3 0.44 :t 0.06 21 :t 2.0 1.9 Samples not collected as fed hay
8.5 :t 1.2 400 :t 39
"J:>o
....... 4 0.03 :t 0.01 0.12:t 0.02 Samples not collected as
1.8 fed hay
0.54 :t 0.18 2.2 :t 0.36
5 0.02 :t 0.01 0.04:t 0.01 2.8 Samples not collected as fed hay
0.56 :t 0.28 1.1 :t 0.28
6 Sampl es not collected
0.03 0.12
Median 0.82 2.5 2.8
Range 0.02-0.44 0.04-21 1.8-
0.54-8.53 1.1-400 4.1
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE C-7. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN FEMURS~ BEEF CATTLE~
AREA 18~ NTS~ MAY 1978
Ani ma 1
Number
238pU
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
239PU
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
89Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
90Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
(% )
1 <0.02 <0.02 <3.1 2.7:t 0.69 29
<5.8 <5.8 <890 780 :t 200
2 <0.02 <0.02 <1.5 2.4:t 0.61 21
<4.3 <4.3 <320 600 :t 130
3 <0.016 <0.016 <1.5 3.7:t 0.76 26
<4.3 <4.3 <400 980 :t 200
4 <0.02 <0.02 <1.5 3 :t 0.71 24
<4.8 <4.8 <370 720 :t 170
5 <0.02 <0.02 <1.6 2.7:t 0.7 26
<5.1 <5.1 <400 680 :t 186
6 <0.02 <0.02 <1.6 4.6 :t 0.84 11
<2.3 <2.3 <180 520 :t 95
Median <0.02 <0.02 <1.6 2.85 25
<4.6 <4.6 <385 700
Range <0.016-<0.02 <0.016-<0.02 <1.5-<3.1 2.4-4.6 11-
<2.3-<5.8 <2.3-<5.8 <180- <890 500-980 29
*Wet weight
42
-------
TABLE C-8. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN FEMURS, BEEF CATTLE,
AREA 18, NTS, OCTOBER 1978+
238pU 239 Pu 89 Sr 90 Sr
Animal ( pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash
Number ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC i / k g*) ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC ilk g*) (%)
7 <0.004 <0.004 <27 4.1:t 0.23 31
<1.2 <1.2 <8,200 1,300 :t 70
8 <0.004 <0.004 <18 5.0:t 0.21 27
<1.1 <1.1 <4,900 1,400 :t 60
9 <0.003 0.011 :t 0.007 <37 9.2:t 0.2. 30
<0.89 3.3 :t 2.1 <1,100 2,800 :t 60
10 <0.005 0.008 :t 0.006 <17 3.7:t 0.2 22
<1.1 1.8 :t 1.3 <3,800 810 :t 38
Du pl. <0.003 0.013 :t 0.007 <18 5.3:t 0.21 23
10 <0.66 2.9 :t 1.5 <3,900 1,200 :t 50
11 <0.005 0.008 :t 0.007 <15 3.5:t 0.21 22
<1.2 1.8 :t 1.6 <3,400 800 :t 48
12 <0.003 <0 .003 <15 3.6:t 0.21 22'
<0.66 2.9 :t 1.5 <3,100 760 :t 44
<0.004 <0.006 <18 41 25
Median <1.1 1.8 <3,900 1,200
<0.003-<0.005 <0.003-0.011 <15 - <37 3.5 - 9.2 22-
Range <0.66 -<1.2 <1.1-3.3 <3,100 - <1,100 760 - 2,800 31
+All analyses by Eberl i ne Instrument Corporation.
*Wet we i ght
43
-------
TABLE C-9. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, BEEF CATTLLE, AREA 18, MAY 1978
Rumen Content s
t1Jscl e Lungs Liver Kidney K (g/kg*) Thyroi d
137CS (pCi /kg*)
Animal K (g/kg*) K (g/kg*) K (g/kg*) 95Zr (pCi /kg*) 131 I (pCi/g)
Number 137Cs (pC i / kg*) K (g/kg*) 137CS (pCi/kg*) 3H (pCi / It*) 1 ""Ce (pCi /kg* )
8.5 :!: 0.56 1.8 :!: 0.5 2.1 :!: 0.22 7.1 :!: 0.61 4.4 :!: 0.41 1.2 :!: 0.34
-------
TABLE C-10. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, BEEF CATTLE,
AREA 18, NTS, OCTOBER 1978
Muscle Lungs Liver Kidney Thyroid Blood
Ani mal K ( g/ k g*) K ( g/ k g*) K (g/kg*)
Number 137Cs (pCi/kg*) K (g/kg*) 137CS (pCi/kg*) 137Cs (pCi/kg*) 131I (pCi/g) 3H (pCi/l)
7 3.9 :!: 0.3 5.7 :t 0.47 3.3 :t 0.23 2.4 :!: 0.3 Gamma Spectrum <420
22 :t 14
-------
TABLE 0-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, MULE DEER, NTS, 1978
Lungs Muscles Liver Rumen Contents
238Pu 239Pu 238pu 239pu 238 Pu 239 Pu 238 Pu 239 Pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash (pCi/g ASh~ (pCUg Ash) Ash (pCUg Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash (pC1/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
NlI11ber (pCi/kg*) (pC1 /kg*) (~) (pCi/kg* (pC i/kg*) (~) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (I) (pC1/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (~)
<0.02 <0.02 0.02 t 0.01 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.08 t 0.03 3.2
<1.1 <1.2 5.8 1.2 t 0.61 <1.2 6.1 <1.2 <1.2 6.2 <0.63 2.5 t 0.95
2 . <0.027 0.071 t 0.037 <0.02 0.02 t 0.01 <0.02 <0.02
<0.85 2.2 t 1.2 3.1 <0.6 0.06 t 0.3 3.0 <0.69 <0.69 3.5 Sample not collected
~ 3 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.021 <0.02 <0.02 <0.01 0.01 t 0.01
0> 6.7
<0.76 <0.76 3.8 <1.1 <1.1 5.3 <1.4 <1.4 6.7 <0.67 0.67 t 0.67
4 <0.002 0.006 t 0.003 <0.008 <0.007 <0.008 0.039 i 0.012 <0.01 <0.01 19.5
<0.12 0.36 t 0.18 6.0 <0.43 <0.38 5.4 <0.31 1.5 t 0.46 3.9 <0.70 <0.70
5 <0.005 0.043 t 0.009 <0.002 0.017 i 0.005 0.37 t 0.08 0.16 i 0.047 <0.006 0.013 t 0.007
<0.3 2.6 t 0.55 6.1 <0.086 0.73 t 0.22 4.3 4.1 t 0.89 1.8 t 0.52 1.1 <0.31 0.68 t 0.37 5.2
6 <0.002 0.005 t 0.003 <0.013 0.059 t 0.023 <0.036 0.08 t 0.039 0.02 t 0.008 0.057 t 0.015
<0.14 0.35 t 0.21 7.0 <0.63 2.9 t 1.1 4.9 <0.20 0.44 t 0.21 0.6 0.39 t 0.16 1.1 t 0.29 2.0
Median <0.013 <0.02 5.9 <0.02 <0.02 5.1 <0.02 <0.03 3.7 <0.01 0.013 5.2
<0.53 <0.98 <0.62 <1.1 <0.95 <1.3 <0.67 <0.7
<0.002-<0.027 <0.005-0.071 3.1- 0.002-0.02 <0.007-0.059 3.0- <0.008-0.37 <0.02-0.16 0.6- <0.006-0.02 <0.01-0.08 2.0-
Range 0.12-<1.1 0.35-2.6 7.0 <0.086-1.2 <0.38-2.9 6.1 <0.20-4.1 0.44-1.8 6.7 <0.31-<.70 0.67-2.5 19.5
*Wet wei ~t
-------
TABLE D-2. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN GONADS, MULE DEER, NTS, 1978
238pU 239pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
4 <0.02 <0.02 0.93
<0.19 <0.19
6 <0.01 <0.01 8.0
<0.80 <0.80
*Wet weight
TABLE D-3. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES (HOCK),
MULE DEER, NTS, 1978
238pU 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 <0.02 <0.02 <2.1 2.6:t 0.62 32
<6.5 <6.5 <670 850 :t 200
2 <0.02 <0.02 <2.9 2.3:t 0.64 13
<2.6 <2.6 <380 300 :t 84
3 <0.02 <0.02 <2.7 1.8:t 0.62 26
<5.1 <5.1 <710 470 :t 160
**4 <0.004 <0.004 <97 1.8 :t 160 36
<1.4 <1.4 <35,000 660 :t 93
**5 <0.004 <0.004 <18 3.8:t 0.17 35
<1.4 <1.4 <6,400 1,300 :t 60
**6 <0.003 <0.003 <41 3.4 :t 0.30 30
<0.9 <0.9 <12,000 1,000 :t 90
<0.012 <0.012 <11 2.5 31
Median <2.0 <2.0 <3,600 760
<0.003-<0.02 <0.003-<0.02 <2.1-<97 1.8-3.8 13-
Range <0.9-<5.1 <0.9-<5.1 <380-<35,000 300-1,300 36
*Wet wei ght.
**Strontium Analyses by Eberline I nst rument Corporation.
47
-------
TABLE D-4. GAMMA-EMI TTING RADIONUCLIDES AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
MULE DEE R, NTS, 1978
Rumen Contents
Hu sc 1 e Lungs Liver Ki dney K (g/kg*)
K (g/kg*) 137Cs (pCikg*) Thyroid Blood
Animal K (g/kg*) K (g/kg*) 137 Cs (pCi/kg*) 9S Zr (pCi/kg*) 3 H (pCi 11 )
Nl.II1Der 137 Cs (pCi/kg*) K (g/kg*) 131 Cs (pCi/kg*) 3H (pCi/lt) 144 Ce (pCi/kg*) 1311 (pCi/g)
B.7 ! 0.56 2.8 ! 0.4 1.9 ! 0.3 2.5 ! 0.2 7.8:t 0.61 7.5 :t 2.3 450 :t 240
50 :!: 29 (MOA 39 :!: 12 54 :t 30
(390 (MIJA
(MDA
6.7 :t 0.53 2.1 :!: 0.24 11 :t 1 27 :t 2.7 Sample Sampl e Sample
(MOA (MOA
-------
T ABL E E -1 . PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES, DESERT
BIGHORN SHEEP, 1978+
238 Pu 239PU 89Sr 90Sr
Animal ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) (pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash
Number ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (%)
1 <0 .005 0 .046 :t 0.012 <7.4 5.4:t 0.26 28
<1.4 13 :t 3.4 <2,100 1,500 :t 70
2 0.012 :t 0.008 0.023:t 0.011 <9.6 4.4:t 0.28 30
3.6 :t 2.4 6.8 :t 3.3 <2,900 1,300 :t 70
3 <0.003 0.006 :t 0.005 <11 5.5:t 0.25 46
<1.4 2.7 :t 2.3 <5,000 2,500 :t 110
4 <0.003 <0.003 <14 4.5:t 0.19 28
<0.83 <0.83 <4,000 1,200 :t 50
5 <0.005 <0.005 <19 6.8:t 0.24 41
<2.1 <2.1 <7,700 2,800 :t 100
6 <0.003 <0.004 <7.3 2.3:t 0.16 34
<1.0 <1.3 <2,400 780 :t 54
7 <0.007 <0 .007 <9.4 3.2:t 0.18 42
<2.9 <2.9 <3,900 1,300 :t 70 .
8 0.007 :t 0.006 0.012:t 0.008 <19 7.1:t 0.20 30
2.1 :t 1.8 3.6 :t 2.4 <5,700 2,200 :t 60
9 <0.005 <0.004 <12 3.9:t 0.17 42
<2.1 <1.7 <5,000 1,600 :t 70
10 <0.006 <0.006 <16 5.3:t 0.18 41
<2.4 <2.4 <6,400 2,100 :t 70
II <0 . 003 <0.003 <19 5.9:t 0.18 38
<1.1 <1.1 <7,100 2,200 :t 70
12 <0.003 <0.006 <13 3.2:t 0.15 37
<1.1 <2.2 <4,800 1,200 :t 60
13 <0.006 <0.006 <11 3.3:t 0.14 43
<2.6 <2.6 <4,500 1,400 :t 60
Median <0.005 <0.006 <12 4.5
<2.1 <2.4 <4,800 1,500 38
<0.003-0.012 <0.003-0.046 <7 .3 - <19 2.3 - 7.1 28-
Range <0.83-3.6 <0.83-13 <1,200 - <7,700 780 - 2,800 46
+All analyses by Eberline Instrument Corporation.
*Wet we i ght
49
-------
TABLE F-l. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
Muscle Internal Organs G. I. Tract
238 Pu 239 Pu 238 Pu 239 Pu -238 Pu 239 Pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash (pCi/g Ash) (pC1/g Ash) Ash (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Nm1ber (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (S) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (S) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (S)
<0.012 <0.016 <0.004 0.011:1: 0.006 <0.01 0.01 :I: 0.01
<0.49 <0.65 4.0 <0.26 0.71 :I: 0.39 6.4 <0.78 0.78 :I: 0.78 7.8
2 <0.017 <0.012 <0.009 <0.008 <0.01 <0.01
<0.62 <0.44 3.6 <0.55 <0.49 6.1 <0.56 <0.56 5.6
(J1
a 3 <0.005 0.014 :I: 0.009 <0.004 0.05 :1: 0.01 0.042 :I: 0.013 0.4 :1: 0.05
<0.31 0.87 :I: 0.56 6.2 <0.22 2.7 :I: 0.55 5.5 1.8 :1: 0.52 16 :1: 2.0 4.0
4 <0.01 <0.01 0.01:1: 0.01 0.09 :1: 0.03 <0.01 0.03 :I: 0.02
<0.51 <0.51 5.1 0.46:1: 0.46 4.1 :1: 1.4 4.6 <0.58 1.7 :I: 1.2 5.8
5 0.029 :I: 0.007 0.16 :1: 0.02 3.8 :I: 0.54 23.7 :1: 3.2 <0.012 0.07 :I: 0.03
2.3 :!: 0.56 13 :I: 1.6 8.1 370 :I: 46 2,000 :I: 270 8.5 <0.72 4.3 :I: 1.9 6.0
6 <0.01 0.01 :I: 0.01 <0.01 0.01 :I: 0.01 <0.01 0.01 :I: 0.01
<0.65 0.65 :I: 0.65 6.5 <0.55 0.55 :1: 0.55 5.5 <1.2 1.2 :I: 1.2 11
<0.011 0.012 <0.01 0.031 <0.01 0.02
Median <0.57 0.76 5.7 <0.55 1.7 5.8 <0.75 1.5 5.9
<0.005-0.029 <0.01-0.16 <0.004-3.8 <0.009-23.7 <0.01-0.04 <0.01-0.4 4-
Range <0.31-2.3 <0.51-13 3.6-8.1 <0.22-370 <0.49-2,000 4.6-8.5 <0.56-1.8 <0.56-16 11
*Wet lEi!t1t
-------
TABLE F-2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONE AND SKIN, RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
Bone Skin
238pu 239pu 89Sr 90Sr 238pu 239pu
An;mal (pCi/g Ash) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) (pCi/g Ash) Ash ( pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash
Numbe r ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC; / k g*) (pC; /kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (%) (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (%)
1 <0 .01 <0.01 <6.5 1.5 :t 0.55 0.01 :t 0.01 0.05:t 0.02
<2.0 <2.0 <1,300 310 :t 110 20 1.1 :t 1.1 5.4 :t 2.0 11
2 <0.01 <0.01 <6.4 0.77:t 0.4 <0.02 <0 .02
<2.2 <2.2 <1 ,400 170 :t 89 22 <1.2 <1.2 5.8
3 <0.01 <0.01 <0 . 55 2.3 :t 0.95 0.05 :t 0.04 1.2 :t 0.3
(Jl <2.0 <2.0 <110 460 :t 190 20 6.3 :t 5.0 150 :t 38 12
I-
4 0.01 :t 0.01 0.01:t 0.01 <6.5 3.9 :t 0.85 0.03 :t 0.01 0.07:t 0.02 7.3
2.0 :t 2.0 2.0 :t 2.0 <1,300 780 :t 170 20 2.2 :t 0.73 5.1 :t 1.5
5 <0 .0 1 <0 .0 1 <6.5 0.85:t 0.48 <0.01 0.03:t 0.02
<2.1 <2.1 <1,300 170 :t 97 20 <1.1 3.3 :t 2.2 11
6 <0.01 <0 .01 <6.5 0.7 :t 0.42 0.01 :t 0.01 0.01:t 0.01
<2.1 <2.1 <1,400 150 :t 89 21 0.91:t 0.91 0.91:t 0.91 9.1
Median <0.01 <0.01 <6.5 1.2 20 <0 . 0 2 0.04 10.1
<2.1 <2.1 <1,300 240 <1.2 4.2
<0.01-0.01 <0.01-0.01 <0.55-<6.5 0.7-3.9 20- <0.01-0.05 0.01-1.2 5.8-
Range <2.0-<2.2 <2.0-<2.2 <110-<1,400 150-780 22 0.91-6.3 0.91-150 12
*Wet we; ght
-------
TABLE F-3. GAMMA-EMMITTING RADIONUCLIDES AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1978
G. I. Tract
Mu sc 1 e Internal Organs K (g/kg*)
137CS (pCi/kg*)
K (g/ k g* ) 7 Be (pC i / k g*)
Animal 137CS (pCi/kg*) K (g/kg*) 95 Z r (pC i / k g* )
Number 3H ( pC i / 1 t) 137Cs (pCi/kg*) 1 41+ C e (pC i / k g* )
1 5.9 :! 0.4 2.8 :! 0.39 8.0 :! 0.63
99 :! 25
-------
TABLE G-l. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TI S SU E S, RABBITS, AREA 15, NTS. 1978
G. I. Tract Internal Organs Muscle Skin
238pu n9pu 238 Pu 239pu 238pu 239pu 238pu 239pU
Animal (pC1/g Ash) (pClIg Ash) Ash (pCl/g Ash) (pCl/g Ash) Ash (pCl/g Ash) (pCl/g Ash) Ash (pCI/g Ash) (pCl/g ASh~ Ash
.HIJIIbe r (pCl/kg*) (pCl/kg*) (S) (pCl/kg*) (pCI/kg*) (S) (pCl/kg*) (pCI/kg*) (S) (pCI/kg*) (pCI/kg* (S)
0.08 i 0.03 0.52 i 0.11 0.06 i 0.03 0.04 i 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.05 i 0.03 0.06 i 0.03
3.9 i 1.5 25 i 5.4 4.9 2.8 i 1.4 1.9 i 0.94 4.7 <1.0 <1.0 5.1 5.3 t 3.2 6.4 i 3.2 6.3
2 0.20 i 0.07 14 i 5.0 <0.01 0.08 i 0.04 <0.02 <0.02 0.06 i 0.03 4.2 i 2.1
8.7 i 1.8 623 tl29 7.2 <0.49 3.9 t 10 4.9 <0.49 <0.49 2.5 0.21 i 0.05 15 i 3.5 8.8
3 0.07 i 0.02 1.0 i 0.11 0.02 i 0.01 0.09 i 0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.021 i 0.004 0.16 i 0.03
3.8 i 1.1 56 i 6.0 5.4 0.83 i 0.41 3.7 i 0.82 4.1 <1.8 <1.8 9.1 1.3 i 0.63 10 i 1.9 8.1
4 0.08 i 0.03 2.7 i 0.4 <0.01 0.10 i 0.07 0.02 i 0.01 0.03 t 0.01 0.02 i 0.01 0.30 i 0.06
4.4 i 1.65 150 i 22 5.5 <0.43 4.3 i 3.0 4.3 0.99 i 0.49 1.5 i 0.49 4.9 1.8 t 0.88 27 i 5.3 7.0
5 0.03 i 0.01 0.49 i 0.06 0.01 t 0.01 0.07 t 0.02 <0.007 0.061 i 0.027 0.02 i 0.01 0.10 t 0.03
1.8 i 0.61 30 i 3.7 6.2 0.47 i 0.47 3.3 t 0.95 4.7 <0.55 4.8 i 2.1 7.8 1.6 i 0.81 8.1 i 2.4 11
6 1.0 i 0.12 0.3 i 0.49 0.03 i 0.01 0.02 i 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.02 0.04 i 0.03
37 i 4.4 11 i 1.8 3.7 2.1 t 0.71 1.4 i 0.71 7.1 <0.56 <0.56 5.6 <1.4 2.8 i 2.1 6.9
(JI
V) 7 0.49 i 0.001 0.64 i 0.071 0.02 i 0.01 0.30 t 0.05 0.01 i 0.01 0.01 i 0.01 0.10 t 0.029 4.8 i 0.67
3.5 i 0.71 45 i 5.0 7.1 1.1 i 0.55 16 i 2.7 5.5 0.51 i 0.51 0.51 t 0.51 5..1 14 i 3.8 620 i 85 13
8 0.039 i 0.02 1.8 t 0.22 0.50 t 0.10 1.2 i 0.2 <0.01 0.03 i 0.01 0.02 i 0.01 0.31 i 0.08 4.6
1.4 i 0.72 65 i 7.9 3.6 32 i 6.4 76 i 13 6.4 <0.62 1.9 i 0.62 6.2 2.0 i 1.0 31 i 8.1
9 0.051 i 0.014 2.7 i 0.37 <0.007 0.11 t 0.021 0.2 i 0.038 1.1 i 0.15 0.26 i 0.041 4.9 i 0.95 4.8
7.4 i 2.0 390 t 53 14 <0.48 7.5 t 1.5 6.9 11 i 2.2 66 t 8.61 5.8 12.2 t 2.0 240 t 22
10 0.043 i 0.012 0.43 t 0.061 <0.004 0.032 i 0.011 0.066 i 0.029 0.051 i 0.025 0.084 i 0.02 2.0 i 0.21 6.9
2.1 i 0.59 21 i 3.0 4.9 <0.25 2.0 i 0.69 6.3 0.51 i 0.22 0.39 i 0.19 0.8 5.8 t 1.4 140 t 15
11 0.041 i 0.012 1.2 t 0.12 <0.009 0.062 i 0.017 0.016 i 0.009 0.028 i 0.012 <0.009 <0.007 3.0
1.7 ! 0.5 48 i 5.0 4.1 <0.51 3.5 i 0.96 5.7 0.22 t 0.13 0.39 i 0.17 1.4 <0.27 <0.21
12 0.026 ! 0.010 1.1 t 0.12 0.018 t 0.013 0.046 t 0.021 <0.023 0.042 i 0.021 <0.023 0.1 t 0.047
1.3 ! 0.49 52 i 5.9 4.9 1.7 i 1.0 3.2 i 1.5 6.9 <0.94 1.7 i 0.86 4.1 <0.79 3.5 i 1.6 3.4
13 0.025 ! 0.012 1.1 i 0.18 0.013 i 0.01 0.25 i 0.057 <0.008 0.015 i 0.007 0.16 i 0.024 5.8 i 0.5 14
1.8 ! 0.85 81 i 13 7.1 0.65 i 0.5 12 i 2.6 5.0 <0.48 0.90 i 0.42 6.0 23 i 3.4 820 ill
0.051 1.1 0.013 0.08 <0.02 0.028 <0.023 0.3
Median 3.5 52 5.4 0.65 3.7 5.5 <0.56 <1.0 5.1 1.6 10 6.9
.
0.025 - 1.0 0.3-14 <0.004-0.06 0.02-1.2 <0.007-0.2 <0.01-1.1 0.8-9.1 <0.009-0.26 <0.007-5.8 3-14
Range 1.3 - 37 11-623 3.6-14 <0.25-32 1.4-76 4.1-7.1 <0.22-11 0.39-66 <0.021-14 <0.21-820
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE G-2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES, RABBITS,
AREA 15, NTS, 1978
238 Pu 239PU 89Sr 90Sr
Animal ( pC i / 9 As h) (pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 0.01 :t 0.01 4.0:t 0.02 <31 2.7:t 0.67 7.8
0.86 :t 0.86 3.4:t 1.7 <2,400 210 :t 51
2 <0.01 <0.01 <57 5.3:t 0.9 30
<3.0 <3.0 <17,000 1,600 :t 270
3 <0 .01 0.01 :t 0.01 <60 5.4:t 0.98 8
<0.89 0.89 :t 0.89 <4,800 430 :t 78
4 <0.01 <0.01 <12 2.8:t 0.82 10
<1.0 <1.0 <1,200 280 :t 82
5 <0.01 0.03 :t 0.01 <11 4.3:t 0.95 8
<0.89 2.7 :t 0.89 <910 340 :t 76
6 <0.01 <0.01 3.9:t 1.5 2.0:t 0.7 8.4
<0.91 <0.91 330 :t 130 170 :t 59.
7 <0 .01 <0 .01 <14 3.2:t 0.92 15
<1.5 <1.5 <2,100 490 :t 140
8 <0.01 <0.011 <31 4.7:t 0.83 8.6
<0.93 <0 .93 <2,600 400 :t 71
9** <0.003 0.01 :t 0.007 <60 4.8:t 0.49 18
<0.55 1.8 :t 1.3 <11,000 880 :t 90
10** <0.006 <0.006 <84 13 :t 0.7 17
<1.1 <1.1 <15,000 2,300 :t 120
11** <0.004 <0.006 <52 7.9:t 0.43 20
<0.8 <1.2 <1,000 1,600 :t 90
12** <0.009 0.025 :t 0.018 <140 6.7:t 1.1 9.3
<0.84 2.3 :t 1.7 <13,000 620 :t 100
13** <0.005 0.025 :t 0.018 <120 7 :t 0.97 15
<0.77 3.8 :t 2.8 <18,000 1,100 :t 150
Median <0 .0 1 <0 .0 1 <52 4.8 10
<0.89 <1.5 <4,800 490
Range <0.003-0.01 <0.006-0.04 3.9 - <140 2.0 - 13 7.8-
<0.55 -<3.0 <0.89-3.8 330 - <18,000 170 - 2,300 30
*Wet weight
**Strontium analyses by Eberline Inst rument Corporat ion.
54
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TABLE G-3. GAMMA-EMMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS, AREA 15, NTS, 1978
G. I. Tract
Mu sc 1 e Internal Organs Sk in
K (g/kg*)
K (g/kg*) 137Cs (pCi/kg*)
An i ma 1 1 37 C S (pC i / k g*) K (g/ kg*) 95Zr (pC; /kg*) K (g/kg*)
Number 3H ( pC i /1 t) 137Cs (pCi/kg*) 144Ce (pCi/kg*) 137CS (pCi/kg*)
1 9.9 :t 0.68 5.3 :!: 1.3 4.3 :t 0.93 Gamma
110 :t 16
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TABLE G-3. (Conti nued)
G. I. Tract
Mu sc 1 e Internal Organs Sk in
K (g/kg*)
K (g/kg*) 137Cs (pCi /kg*)
Animal 137CS (pCi/kg*) K (g/kg*) 95Zr (pCi/kg*) K (g/kg*\
Number 3H ( pC i / It ) 1 37 C S (pC i / k g*) 144Ce (pCi/kg*) 137Cs (pCi/kg*
8 11 :!: 0.84 5.7 :!: 1.2 6.8 :!: 1.2 2.4 :!: 1.5
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TABLE H-l.
PLUTONIUM+, STRONTIUM+, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, CHUKAR, NTS, 1978
Animal Number 238pu 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
and (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash K (fk9*) 3H++
Tissue Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%) 137Cs pCi/kg*) (pCi/l)
Chukar-l <0.01 <0.005 NA NA 4.1 5.2 t 0.38 1,500 t 370
Muscle <0.41 <0.2 41 t 18
Chukar-2 <0.006 <0.006 NA NA 8.4 10 t 0.83 700 :!: 300
Muscle <0.5 <0.67
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TABLE I-I. PLUTONIUM+, STRONTIUM+, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, EAGLES, NTS, 1978
Animal Number 236PU 239pU 69Sr 90Sr
and (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g ASh~ Ash K (g/kg*) 3H
Ti ssue Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg* (';) 137Cs (pCi/kg*) (pCi 11)++
Eagle-l 0.037 t 0.016 0.24 t 0.048 NA NA 2.1 5.7:t 3.2 4,700 :t 320
Muscle 0.76 t 0.33 4.9 t 0.99 28 tll
Eagle-2 <0.014 0.011 t 0.01 NA NA 2.3 NA 47,000 t 813
Muscle <0.32 0.25 t 0.23
Eagle-3 <0.008 0.017 t 0.011 NA NA 1.8 5.5 t 3.3 760 :t 290
Muscle <0.15 0.31 :t 0.20 57 t 14
Eagle-l <0.017 <0.045 NA NA 7.6 5.8:t 0.58 HA
Stomach contents <1.3 <3.4 35 t 28
Eagle-2 <0.018 0.036 :t 0.030 NA HA 2.5 4.9 t 1.1 HA
Stomach contents <0.44 0.86 t 0.74
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TABLE J-l.
PLUTONIUM+, STRONTIUM+, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIO NUCLIDES
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, HORSE, NTS, 1978
Animal Number 238pU 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
and (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash K (g/kg*) 3ft
Ti ssue Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (t) 137CS (pCi/kg*) (pCi/l)
Horse 0.01 j: 0.01 <0.01 NA NA 5.4 6.0 j: 0.35 NA
Muscle 0.54 j: 0.54 <0.54 51 j: 15
Horse 0.01 j: 0.01 0.67 j: 0.67 NA NA 6.6 7.9 j: 0.72 NA
Liver 0.67 j: 0.67 2.0 j: 0.67
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APPENDIX K.
GROSS* AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGyt FOUND
IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS, 1978
AREA 18 CATTLE, MAY
1
Necropsy findings:
appearing.
Rumen contents scanty, lungs were emphysematous and wet
Histopathological findings: Mild congestion of lungs, small focal aggregates
of lymphocytes located in the interstitium of the cortex of the kidney; and
mild hemosiderosis of the lungs.
Hematological findings:
available.
Blood samples not collected as tubes and slides not
Clinical diagnosis: Normal, 12-year-old, lactating cow that died from'
respiratory failure following spraying with Dichlorvos (Vapona@).
2
Necropsy findings:
Lungs were emphysematous.
Histopathological findings: Localized hemorrhage in lungs, congestion of
glomeruli and interstitial areas of kidney, and mild congestion of the adrenal
cortical sinusoids.
Hematological findings:
available.
Blood samples not collected as tubes and slides not
Clinical diagnosis: Normal, 3-year-old steer that died from respiratory
failure following spraying with Dichlorvos (Vapona@).
3
Necropsy findings:
Lungs were emphysematous.
Histopathological findings:
adrenal cortical sinusoids.
Kidney congestion and moderate congestion of the
*As reported by senior author
tAs reported. by Dr. Billy C. Ward, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.
@Registered Trademark
drawer V.
60
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3 (Continued)
Hematological findings:
available.
Blood samples not collected as tubes and slides not
Cl~nical diagnosis: Normal, 3-year-old steer that died from respiratory
fallure following spraying with Dichlorvos (Vapona~).
4
Necropsy findings:
Lungs were emphysematous.
Histopathological findings:
significant lesions noted.
Sarcocyst in cardiac muscle.
N~ other
Hematolological findings:
available.
Blood samples not collected as tubes and slides not
Clinical diagnosis: Normal, 3-year-old cow that died from respiratory failure
following spraying with Dichlorvos (Vapona~).
5
Necropsy findings:
sematous.
Rumen ~ontained several feet of rope.
Lungs were emphy-
Histopathological findings:
cant lesions noted.
Sarcocyst in cardiac muscle.
No other signifi-
Hematological findings:
available.
Blood samples not collected as tubes and slides not
Clinical diagnosis: Normal, 1-year-old, lactating cow that died from respi-
ratory failure following spraying with Dichlorvos (Vapona~).
6
Necropsy findings:
No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings:
No significant lesions noted.
Hematological findings:
available.
Blood samples not collected as tubes and slides not
Clinical findings:
Normal, newborn calf.
AREA 18 CATTLE, OCTOBER
7
Necropsy findings: A plaque,was noted on cornea of left eye.
lesions note~. Rumen contalned alfalfa hay.
No other gross
~Registered Trademark
61
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7 (Continued)
Histopathological findings: Hepatocytes of liver moderately swollen, sarco-
cysts in cardiac muscle. The spleen showed moderate hemosiderin infiltration
in the red pulp with numerous eosinophiles around the follicles.
Hematological findings*: WBC/pl 5.5 x 10 ; Neutrophiles % 22; Lymphocytes
% 60; Eosinophiles % 18; Hb g % 17.7; and Hematocrit % 46.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal, II-year-old cow.
8
Necropsy findings: Rumen contained alfalfa hay. Actinobacillosis lesion on
left maxilla, petechial hemorrhages and areas of emphysema in lung lobes that
were due to agonal struggling.
Histopathological findings: Mild emphysema of lungs, sarcocyst in cardiac
muscle, mild fatty changes in renal tubular epithelial cells, marked
hemosiderin infiltration of pulp of spleen with increased eosinophiles.
Hematological findings: WBC/pl 4.7 x 10 ; Neutrophiles % 7; Lymphocytes % 80;
Eosinophiles % 13; Hb g % 14.3; and Hematocrit % 39.
Clinical diagnosis:
6-year-old steer with actinobacillosis (lumpy jaw).
9
Necropsy findings: Right eye was opaque and had a penetrating wound with a
purulent discharge. Rumen contained alfalfa hay. Three-month-old fetus in
uterus, cirrhosis areas in liver, areas of atelectasis in lung.
Histopathological findings: Fatty changes in hepatocytes, spleen shows marked
infiltration of hemosiderin with increased eosinophiles around follicles of
white pulp. Alveoli hemorrhage in lungs from agonal struggling. Neoplastic
squamous cell mass attached to cornea that appears to be undergoing
immunological rejection.
Hematological findings: WBC/pl 3.6 x 10 ; Neutrophiles % 42; Lymphocytes %
52; Eosinophiles % 6; Hb g % 11.1; and Hematocrit % 32.
Clinical diagnosis: Pregnant, ll-year-old cow with squamous cell carcinoma of
eye.
10
Necropsy findings:
No gross lesions noted.
Rumen contained alfalfa hay.
Histopathological findings: Eosinophiles surround many of the developing
follicles of the spleen. Early spermatogenesis of testicle.
62
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10 (Continued)
Hematological findings: WBC/~l 11 x .103; Neutrophiles % 19; Lymphocytes % 81;
Hb g % 15.7; and Hematocrit % 43.
Clinical diagnosis:
11
Normal 6-month-old bull calf.
Necropsy findings: Adhesions between diaphragm and reticulum, and between
liver and reticulum. Rumen contained alfalfa hay.
Histopathological findings: Numerous eosinophiles were found near follicles
of white pulp of spleen. No active spermatogenesis in testes. There is a
chronic fibrosic mass attached to the Rumen mucosa.
Hematological findings: WBC/~l 6.4 x 103; Neutrophiles % 15; Lymphocytes %
75; Basophiles % 1; Eosinophiles % 9; Hb g % 14.9; and Hematocrit % 43.
Clinical diagnosis: Normal, 6-month-old bull calf with a circumscribed
penetration through the reticulum.
12
Necropsy findings: Apical lobe of lung shows areas of atelectasis from agonal
struggling. Alfalfa hay in rumen.
Histopathological findings: Hepatocytes swollen due to fatty change.
Moderate number of eosinophiles are found in red pulp of spleen. No active
spermatogenesis in testes.
Hematological findings: WBC/~l 11.3 x 103; Neutrophiles % 15; Lymphocytes %
80; Eosinophiles % 5; Hb g % 14.4; and Hematocrit % 40.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal, 6-month-old bull calf.
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER
1
Necropsy findings: Both left legs fractured, left rib cage shattered with
puncture wounds of the lobes of the left lung. Uterus contained twin male
fawns one month from term. Samples not collected from hematological
examination.
Histopathological findings:
Sarcocyst in muscle, spleen and liver congested.
63
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Clinical diagnosis:
motor vehicle.
Normal, pregnant doe deer that died in collision with
2
Samples were from fetuses from mule deer number 1. Normal on
necropsy. Samples not collected for hematological and histo-
pathological examinations.
3
Necropsy findings: Anima) not necropsied as prosector not available.
not collected for histopathological or hematological examinations.
Samples
Clinical diagnosis:
motor vehicle.
Apparently normal doe deer that died in collision with
4
Necropsy findings: Multiple compound fractures of right foreleg and right
ribs. Liver and rumen extensively traumatized. Histopathological and
hematological samples not collected as were advance autolysis of tissues.
Clinical diagnosis:
vehicle.
Normal, male deer that died in collision with motor
5
Necropsy findings: Rumen had ruptured and ingesta was scattered throughout
the peritoneal cavity. Lactating doe. Histopathological and hematological
samples not collected as were advance autolysis of tissues.
Clinical diagnosis:
motor vehicle.
Normal, lactating doe deer that died in collision with
6
Necropsy findings: Multiple compound fractures of left rib cage and left
foreleg. Liver was in several fragments, lungs were extensively trauma-
tized by rib fragments. Rumen was ruptured and ingesta scattered throughout
the peritoneal cavity. Hematological samples not collected.
Histopathological findings: Spleen congested with moderate amount of hemo-
siderin in the red pulp, sarcocysts in the muscle, mild emphysema of lungs,
probably agonal. Focal infiltration of lymphocytes near the epicardial
surface of the heart. Testicles show normal spermatogenesis.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal, male deer that died in collision with truck.
FERAL NEVADA TEST SITE HORSE
Necropsy findings: Compound fracture of left rear leg above hock joint,
fractured skull and numerous lacerations and abrasions. Colon was ruptured
64
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FERAL NEVADA TEST SITE HORSE (Continued)
with release of contents into peritoneal cavity. Autolysis of tissues was
advanced. Sample not collected for hematological examination.
HistopathOlogical findings: Mild emphysema of lungs, probably agonal.
other significant lesions noted.
No
Clinical diagnosis:
with truck.
Normal, feral, immature male horse that died in collision
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBITS AND CHUKAR
All of these animals were collected by shotgun fire. All were placed in a
freezer until necropsied. No gross lesions were noted. All were apparently
normal at time of death. Samples for histopathological or hematological
examinations were not collected.
NEVADA TEST SITE GOLDEN EAGLES
1
Necropsy findings: Burns under each wing, round worms present in the
intestine. Samples not collected for hematological or histopathological
examinations.
Clinical diagnosis:
2 and 3
Normal, adult golden eagle that was electrocuted.
Necropsy findings: Superficial burns on wings.
hematological or histopathological examination.
Clinical diagnosis: Normal, adult golden eagles that were electrocuted by
short circuiting a power substation.
Samples not collected for
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
All of these animals were mature males that were killed by licensed hunters.
No necropsies were performed but all were a~parently nOI~al ~t time o~ de~th.
No samples were collected for histopathologlcal or hematologlcal examlnatlons.
65
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1 REPORT NO.
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions 011 the rel'erse before completing)
2. 3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
O/3-80-0Sl6__~~ --- _H-_- ----
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM 1978 ANNUAL REPORT:
Nevada Test Site and Vicinity
5. REPORT DATE
December 1980
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHORIS)
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
D. D. Smith, D. E. Bernhardt, K. R. Giles
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
X6EH10
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
MOU
DE-A108-76PD00539
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
1
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
The Nevada Operations Office
U.S. Department of Energy
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Performed under memorandum of understanding DE-A108-76PD00539
for the U.S. Department of Energy
16. ABSTRACT a a are presen e rom e ra loana YSl SOl ssues co ec e rom ca
and wildlife that resided on or near the Nevada Test Site. Gamma-emitting radio-
nuclides were detected infrequently with the exception of short-lived radionuclides
found in samples from animals collected soon after a nuclear test by the People's
Republic of China. Plutonium and Strontium-90 concentrations in tissues from deer,
cattle, and desert bighorn sheep were consistent with those of recent years. Tritium
concentrations were generally within expected environmental limits with the exception
of animals exposed to sources of contamination. Radionuclide tissue concentrations
were generally higher in the tissues of animals residing in Area 15 than in similar
animals collected from other Nevada Test Site areas.
Hypothetical dose estimates to man were calculated on the basis of the daily
consumption of 0.5 kilogram of liver or muscle from animals that contained peak
radionuclide levels. The highest postulated dose was 1.4 millirems for tritium in
tissues from a mule deer.
The movements of 13 mule deer outfitted with collars containing a radio transmitter
unit were monitored on a weekly basis. During the winter deer left their summer range
and migrated 40 to 60 kilometers south and west. A deer originally captured in 1977
was killed by hunters approximately 120 kilometers from its capture point.
No gross ~r microscopic lesions we~e ~o~nd in ~ec~opsied animals that could be
e
17.
a.
DESCRIPTORS
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
C. COSA TI held/Group
~._---------~--
- - --- -- -- -- - -- ----- ---.
Beef herd, cattle
Pathology
Radiobiology
Radiotelemetry
Fallout
Plutonium, strontium,
cesium
Area 18, NTS
Sa rcocysts
Hypothetical dose estimates
Deer migration studies
Ani mal uptake
Tissue burdens in
NT San i ma 1 s
98-E
57-0
57-V
63-H
68-F
77-B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
UNCLASSIFIED
74
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77)
PREvIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE
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