Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Protection Systems Laboratory
P.O. Box 15027
Las Vegas NV 89114
EPA-600/3-81-035
DOE/DP/00539-042
May 1981
Research and Development
Animal
Investigation Program
1979 Annual Report:
Nevada Test Site
and vicinity
prepared for the
Nevada Operations Office
U.S. Department of Energy
-------
Available from the
National Technical Information
U.S. Department of Commerce
Springfield, VA 22161
Price Code:
Paper copy, A04
~1i crofi che, AOl
Service
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EPA-600j3-81-035
DOEjDPj00539-042
May 1981
ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM 1979 ANNUAL REPORT:
Nevada Test Site and Vicinity
by
D. D. Smith, K. R. Giles
Nuclear Radiation Assessment Division
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
and
D. E. Bernhardt
Office of Radiation Programs, Las Vegas
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
Facility
prepared for the
U.S. Department of Energy
under Memorandum of Understanding
Number DE-A108-76DP00539
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, chukar, golden eagles, and
other wildlife that resided on or near the Nevada Test Site during 1979.
Routine and special activities of the Animal Investigation Program are also
discussed.
Other than the naturally occurring potassium-40, gamma-emitting
radionuclides were detected infrequently.
Strontium-90 concentrations in bones from deer, cattle, and desert
bighorn sheep were lower than those of recent years. Tritium concentrations
were generally within expected environmental limits with the exception of
animals exposed to known sources of contamination; e.g., drainage ponds from
Area 12 tunnels or the Sedan Crater. Plutonium levels in all tissues from all
species showed little variation to those levels in samples collected in recent
years. 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 annual 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 2.6
millirems to bone for plutonium-238 in liver obtained from a mule deer. This
dose is about 0.5 percent of the 500 millirems per year radiation protection
guide for individuals in the general population. All other postulated doses
for consumption of the tissue containing other radionuclides are about 0.3
percent or less of the standard.
The movements of 25 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.
However during 1979, the deer were dispersed over the widest area observed
since 1975. Several deer wintered on the Nellis Bombing and Gunnery Range to
the north and one wintered near Black Mountain. A deer captured in December
1979 was observed 7 months later in the Barley Creek area of Nye County which
is appromately 160 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.
iii
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CONTENTS
Page
Abstract.
. i i i
Figures
vi
Tables.
. vii
Introduction.
1
Sample Collection.
2
Analytical Procedures and Methods.
9
Results and Discussion.
Quality Assurance Samples.
Nevada Test Site Cattle.
Nevada Test Site Mule Deer.
Desert Bighorn Sheep.
Nevada Test Site Rabbits
Area 18 Rabbits.
Area 15 Rabbi ts
Nevada Test Site Horse.
Nevada Test Site Carnivores. ~
Nevada Test Site Chukars .
Nevada Test Site Eagles.
Nevada Test Site Spring Waters
Necropsy and Histopothological
Hypothetical Dose Estimates.
and Algae.
Examinations.
11
11
11
14
14
14
14
15
15
16
16
16
17
18
18
Other Activities.
Deer Migration Study.
Investigations and Other Projects.
Public Information and Area 15 Farm.
22
22
26
26
References.
27
List of Appendix Tables.
31
v
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Number
FIGURES
l.
2.
Sampling locations on the Nevada Test Site, 1979. .
. . . . . . . .
Approximate collection sites of 1979 desert bighorn sheep.
3.
Annual averages of 90Sr in bones of cattle, deer and
desert bighorn sheep 1956-1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.
Mule deer capture and wintering areas, 1979 . . . . . .
vi
. . . .
. . . .
. . . . . .
Page
4
8
12
25
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Number
TABLES
1.
2.
Sampling Information for Nevada Test Site Cattle, 1979. . .
. . . .
Sampling Information for Nevada Test Site Wildlife, 1979. . . . . .
Sampling Information for Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1979 . .
3.
4.
......
Ranges of Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues
from Nevada Test Site Cattle, May 1978 and May 1979 .
......
5.
Tritium and Gamma Analysis of Nevada Test Site
Spring Waters, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..........
6.
Summary of Peak Radionuclide Concentrations in Selected Tissues
from Nevada Test Site Animals, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.
Postulated Dose to Man Following Ingestion of Selected
Tissues for one year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.....
8.
Deer Capture Information, 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.....
vi i
Page
3
5
7
13
17
. . 20
21
23
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viii
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INTRODUCTION
Since 1964, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) Environmental
Monitoring Systems Laboratory* at Las Vegas (EMSL-LV) has conducted the Animal
Investigation Program (AlP) for the Nevada Operations Office of the U.S.
Department of Energy. During 1979, the major objectives of the AlP 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.
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.
2.
3.
To provide public information through education and veterinary advice
to the offsite population.
4.
To conduct special ad hoc investigations.
Progress during 1979 in achieving these objectives and summaries of the
data collected are presented in this report. Previous reports (Fountain 1961;
Smith and Giles 1970, 1974, and 1975; and Smith et al., 1976, 1977a, 1977b,
1978a, 1978b, 1979 and 1980) have detailed the history. evolution, and
accomplishments of the AlP since its beginning in 1957.
*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 1979 included cattle, mule deer,
rabbits, chukars, eagles, a coyote, a bobcat and a feral horse. Desert
bighorn sheep that range the mountainous areas to the south a~d east of the
NTS were also sampled. Animals sampled included those that dled ~rom natural
causes or through accidents, those collected through the cooperatlon.of
licensed hunters, and those that were sacrificed as part of the routlne
sampling activities of the program.
Animals collected (killed), either by rifle or shotgun fire, were
necropsied immediately after death and any gross pathological conditions
noted. Animals collected by other means were also necropsied if a
prosector was 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 histopath-
logical evaluation. If fresh blood was available, heparinized samples were
collected for hematological examination. Tissues collected from large animals
for radioanalyses included rumen or stomach contents, liver, lungs, tracheo-
bronchial lymph nodes, muscle, thyroids, blood, kidneys, fetus (if present),
and bone (femurs or hock). Tissues collected from small animals (rabbit,
chukar, and eagle) for radioanalyses included bone from the entire skeleton,
muscle, skin, entire gastrointestinal tract, and composited internal organs
(liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen).
Six beef cattle from the NTS herd were sampled during 1979. Sampling
information is presented in Table 1. Except for a brief weaning period, when
the calves were maintained at the Area 15 farm, each animal sampled spent its
entire life grazing on the Area 18 range of the NTS (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).
AlP investigators collected tissue samples from four NTS adult mule deer
(Odocoileus hemionus). Two of the deer were sampled after being struck by
motor vehicles. Five jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) and one desert
cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) were collected. These animals were
collected at the Area 15 experimental farm or on the Area 18 beef cattle
range. Other NTS animals sampled included one feral horse (Equus caballus),
one coyote (Canis latrans), one bobcat (Lynx rufus), two golden eagles ~uila
chrysaetos), and three chukar (Alectoris chukar). Collection locations are
noted on Figure 1 and sampling information is listed in Table 2.
Through the cooperation of State and Federal wildlife officials and
participating'hunters, bone and kidney samples were collected from 12 mature
desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) rams during the annual hunt.
2
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TABLE 1.
SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE, 1979
Animal Age Weight Date
Number Sex (years) (kg) Sampled Rema rk s
1 F 2 250 05/15 Animal paralyzed from dystocia,
necropsied and sampled in field.
2 M 6 610 05/17 Aged steer, excellent condition
3 M 5 650 05/17 Aged steer, excellent condition
4 F 11 391 10/18 Pre-cancerous plaques at medial
canthus of both eyes
5 M 0.5 170 10/18 -Bull calf
6 M 4 580 10/18 Steer
Sampling information for these animals is presented in Table 3 and the
collection sites are shown in Figure 2. The majority of the sheep were
collected from Clark County in southern Nevada, with three coming from the
Desert National Wildlife Range or the Nellis Air Force Range which are
contiguous to the NTS. Two a~imals were collected from the Silver Peak and
Lone Mountain areas which are north and west of the NTS.
3
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\---~"
\ I I
\, M, {mJ--- ~~D 1~,~UI~~:~rl-3-A-15---;
I I ~ Rainier Me;;a . '
','{' J " 2. / --- Experimental Farm
\( I. h I ~
'. 'cO Echo Peak .-' .1' '. "Ct'(lIkar, I
\(i; MD-2 '. ,",-", \1 I ---
',;e; MO-4 : I 0/er 11""e- I I
_'II ,-;. ," Pahute CP, Sa Rd . Sedan I
-~~; -9 --- Beef Corral; ... - r 1, I II'
'-:':---'-' ---~~ Rabb,t Coyote 1 Horse - ---~- 9
Buckboard ':: Air 3-A18
M -- V :0 17
I esa " Stnp ..-;.,-;
I Rabh,t 12 A18, '- I (''Co: :
~_u_-~\::~f:>"; ----1
\ I :
: MD-1: \ ----2..j
I ~\
r u- m" I ui
I Buffer Zone : :
r -- - f;;;; Ro~::;,~:",I~~;~; - ii -"',
: N R 0 S I Eagle 1-2
~flo::o"e I:
f---.----. --U :5- -
Hv."y 95
-~---~
. ...
" "'1
Scale In Feet
.. -... .
1 0000 0
Air I
Strip
I
I
i ---,j
t
1
Desert Game
Range
30000
SCiJl" In Mplert,
H,...,,....,,...,,-
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TABLE 2. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE WILDLIFE, 1979
Est imated
Animal Age Weight Date
Numb e r Sex (years) (kg) Co 11 ected Rema rk s
Mul e Deer-1 M 4-5 55-60 01/04 Collected on road to
Motorola Site, Shoshone
Mt., Area 29.
Mul e Deer-2 M 2-3 60 07/11 Accident victim on
Pahute Mesa Road,
Area 19.
Mul e Deer-3 F 1-2 45 08/29 Accident victim on
Pahute Mesa Road,
Area 19. Liver not
sampled as consumed by
predators.
Mul e Deer-4 F 0.5 30 12/18 Collected 1/2 mile N.E.
of Echo Peak repeater
site, Area 19.
Horse-1 M 0.5-0.75 120 11/19 Hit by car on Tippipah
Highway in Area 12 on
November 12. Treated
at Area 15 until death
on November 17.
Rabbit-1-A18 F <1 2.2 06/01 Jackrabbit collected on
Buckboard Mesa Road,
Area 18.
Rabbit-2-A18 M >1 2.3 06/01 Jackrabbit collected on
Buckboard Mesa Road,
Area 18.
Rabbit-3-A18 M <1 2.1 06/01 Jackrabbit collected
along Airport Road,
Area 18.
Rabbit-1-A15 F 1 2.3 07/24 Jackrabbit collecte~ at
Area 15 farm.
Rabbit-2-A15 M >1 1.0 07/24 Cottontail collected at
Area 15 farm.
(continued)
5
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TABLE 2.
(Continued)
Estimated
Animal Age Weight Date
Number Sex (yea rs) (kg) Collected Rema rk s
Rabbit-3-A15 M >1 2.0 07/24 Jackrabbit collected at
Area 15 Fann.
Coyote-1 F 0.5 10 01/06 Hit by motor vehicle on
Tippipah Highway 1/2
mile from Area 12 Camp.
Bobcat-1 M Ad u It 10 12/01 Electrocuted in
pumphouse at Area 400.
Eagle-1 M Adult 3.2 01/24 Electrocuted at sub-
station, Area 400.
Eagle-2 F Ad u 1 t 4.2 01/27 Electrocuted at sub-
station, Area 400.
Chukar-1 ? Adult 0.6 12/04 Collected above E
Tunnel, Rainier Mesa,
Area 12.
Chukar-2 ? Ad u 1 t 0.7 12/04 Collected at Trailer
Park above G Tunnel,
Rainier Mesa, Area 12.
Chukar-3 ? Adult 0.9 12/04 Collected above T
Tunnel, Rainier Mesa,
Area 12. Two chukars
composited for samples.
6
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TABLE 3.
SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1979
Estimated
Animal Age Date
Number Sex (years) Co 11 ected Rema rk s
1 M 4 12/10 Killed at Wamp Spring, Las Vegas Range,
DNWR, Area 78*.
2 M 5 12/11 Ki 11 ed in Deadman's Canyon, DNWR, Area
77*.
3 M 7 11/18 Ki 11 ed in Boscoe Ca nyon, Area 71 *.
4 M 7 11/25 Killed near Carter Mines, Mo rma n
Mountains, Area 80*.
5 M 5 11/24 Kill ed in Newberry Range, Area 86*.
6 M 9 11/24 Kill ed in Morman Mountains, Area 80*.
7 M 10 11/27 Kill ed in McCullough Range, Area 84*.
8 M 6 11/22 Kill ed at Cane Spring, Area 70*.
9 M 6 11/17 Kill ed on Black Mountain, Area 81*.
10 M 4 11/20 Kill ed on North Eldorado Mountain, Area
85*.
11 M 7 11/18 K i 11 ed in Newberry Range, Area 86*.
12 M 4 12/29 K i 11 ed north of Quartz, Area 74*.
*Nevada Wildlife Department Bighorn Sheep Management Area
DNWR = Desert National Wildlife Range
7
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---~"" "
/ /
TTR '- Q.C SMT. /
--- ,
---I TEMPIUTE,
"".
HIKO
COYOTE ~T '\ ~
HANCOCK SMT.) (
I
NELLIS
AIR FORCE
RANGE
NTS
@
o Indicates collection site of
individual animal
"
\
SEARCHLIGHT \
0\
o
Figure 2.
Approximate collection sites of 1979 desert bighorn sheep.
8
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ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES AND METHODS
Gamma-emitting radionuclides in samples of soft tissues and rumen
contents were analyzed by gamma spectrometry. A sample of blood or of tissue
was collected from each animal and analyzed for tritium. Bone samples were
analyzed for strontium-89 and -90 and plutonium-238 and -239. Selected soft
tissues were also analyzed for plutonium content. The EMSL-LV performed all
of the analyses for tritium and the gamma-emitting radionuclides. Eberline
Instrument Corporation (EIC) Albuquerque, N. Mex., performed the plutonium and
the strontium analyses.
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 tissues of smaller volume, i.e., thyroid gland,
tracheobronchial lymph nodes, etc., were first macerated in a blender and
then brought to a standard 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 (keV) per channel in the 60-KeV to 2-megaelectronvolts (MeV)
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 counted for 1,000 minutes using a
4- by 4-inch NaI (Tl) crystal also connected to the Nuclear Data 6620 for
spectral accumulation. This spectrometer is calibrated at 10 KeV per channel
in the 60-KeV to 2-MeV 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 by ashing and
radiochemical separation. Plutonium was analyzed by alpha spectrometry using
plutonium-236 as an internal tracer. Details of the analytical procedures
used by EIC are proprietary information but are similar to those described by
Talvitie 1971,1972; Wish and Rowell 1956; Mitchell 1960; Hagan and Arrhenius
1963; and Major et ale 1975. The EMSL-LV radionuclide analytical procedures
were those described by Johns (1979).
All data are reported with the 95 percent confidence interval based on
counting statistics and are corrected to time of sample collection. The
minimum detectable activity is defined as 3.29 times the standard deviation
based on counting. Results which show a net sample activity less than the MDA
are reported as such. The approximate minimum detectable activities and
analytical pr.ocedures are summarized in Appendix A.
9
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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 spectrQmetric analysis.
Quality assurance samples were included in each group of samples
submitted for plutonium analyses. These were liver and muscle samples
purchased at a local meat market and to which a known amount of plutonium was
added. The data from the quality assurance 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.
10
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
QUALITY ASSURANCE SAMPLES
The analytical data for samples spiked with plutonium-238 and -239 are
listed in Appendix B. The bias (defined as the percent difference between
activity detected and activity added) for plutonium-239 ranged from +3 to -73
and averaged -38 percent. The bias for plutonium-238 analyses ranged from -19
to -80 with an average bias of -44 percent. The quality of all plutonium
analyses was assumed to be similar 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.
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.
If detected, the cesium-137 levels were within a narrow range of activity; for
example, four of six muscle samples contained detectable levels ranging from
23 to 38 picocuries per kilogram (pCi/kg). Beryllium-7 (a naturally
occurring radionuclide) was the only other gamma-emitter detected and it was
found in only one rumen content sample collected in October.
Tritium was not detected in any of the animals sampled in October but was
found in all three of the cattle sampled in May. The tritium levels in the
blood from these cattle ranged from 510 to 970 picocuries per liter (pCi/l).
These levels fall within the range of <400 to 980 pCi/l of atmospheric
moisture (average of <400 pCi/l) found in air samples collected at Beatty,
Nevada for the Noble Gas and Tritium Surveillance Network (Nuclear Radiation
Assessment Division, 1980).
Strontium-90 concentrations in the femur samples from the Area 18 cattle
ranged from 0.4 to 3.1 picocuries per gram (pCi/g) of ash with an average of
1.3. As shown in Figure 3, this value is nearly an order of magnitude lower
than those of recent years. This apparent marked decrease in the strontium
concentration in femur of the Area 18 cattle is probably not real but related
to the fact that 1979 was the first year that EIC performed all the strontium
analyses for the AlP samples. The bias determined from strontium-90 quality
assurance samples submitted to EIC for another study (Smith and Brown, 1980)
averaged -38 percent (range of 6.6 to 171 percent) and the reported activities
11
-------
30
- Bighorn Sheep
.I: 25 c:::J Deer
'"
C( !IIIIIIIIII Cattle
iii
c 0 (Number of Bone Samples)
Q 20
CD
1:'1
'-
~ u G
Co
N .: 15
'"
'i>
>
iii 10
...J
cI;
iii
5
0
1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969
1970 1971
Fi gure 3.
Annual averages of 90Sr in bones of cattlet deer and desert
bighorn sheep 1956-1979.
-------
were generally lower than the amount of activity added to the sample.
Strontium-89 was not detected in any of the animals. femurs.
Plutonium-238 is present in the environment primarily as a result of the
burnup of a SNAP-9A 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 10. 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. This may explain why the plutonium 239:238 ratios for
animal tissue are usually lower than the ratios for fallout and soil.
Because of budgetary restraints and the consistent findings of prior
years, (Smith et al. 1979) the plutonium analyses of the soft tissues were
limited to the May sampling except for gonads and a fetus. As shown in Table
4, the concentrations detected in the 1979 tissues were generally of the same
magnitude as those sampled in 1978.
Plutonium-238 and -239 were detected in gonads from a cow and a bull
sampled in October. The values for plutonium-239 (0.74 and 1.4 pCi/kg
respectively) exceeded those reported for muscle tissue and were sin lar to
concentrations in the femurs, lungs, and livers of animals sampled i I May.
TABLE 4. RANGES OF PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES
FROM NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE, MAY 1978 AND MAY 197<
Concentrations (pCi/kg Wet Weight)
Plutonium-238
Pl utoni um-23~1
Tissue
May 1978
May 1979
May 1978
May 1979
Lungs
<0.76 - <1.1 0.14 - <0.22 <0.76 - 2.2 1.6 - 3.1
0.94 - <1.3 0.04 - <0.1 <0.94 - <1.3 0.09 - <0.13
<0.63 - 1.6 <0.22 - <0.43 <0.63 - 2.4 0.6 - 0.7
0.54 - 8.5 0.2 - 0.63 1.1 - 400 1.1 3
<2.3 - <5.8 <1.1 - <2.8 <2.3 - <5.8 <1.2 - 1.5
Muscles
Livers
Rumen
Contents
F emu rs
13
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NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER
The analytical results from tissues of the Nevada Test Site mule deer
are presented in the tables of Appendix D. As was the case for the Nevada
Test Site cattle, naturally occurring potassium-40 was the only gamma-emitting
radionuclide that was consistently detected. Cesium-137 was occasionally
detected in the rumen contents and soft tissue samples. The highest level
reported in the tissues was 52 pCi/kg in kidney tissue collected from deer
number 1. Beryllium-7 was reported in the rumen contents of animal numbers 1
and 2. Beryllium-7 is a naturally occurring radionuclide that is produced by
cosmic radiation.
Tritium concentrations in the blood or kidneys of the deer ranged from
<350 to 480 pCi/l. These levels are well within the range found in
atmospheric moisture at Beatty, Nevada (Nuclear Radiation Assessment Division,
1980).
Strontium-90 concentrations in hock bones ranged from 1.7 to 3.8 pCi/g of
ash with an average of 2.6 pCi/g ash (Figure 3). The 1978 average was also
2.6 pCi/g of ash. Strontium-89 was not detected.
As in 1978, (Smith et al. 1980) plutonium-239 was frequently detected in
all the soft tissue with the most consistent finding in the lungs and rumen
content samples. Plutonium-239 (2 I 0.7 pCi/kg) was reported in the gonads
collected from a male deer (#1). Again, as in 1978, plutonium was not
detected in any of the hock bones sampled.
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
Analytical data from bone and kidney samples are listed in Appendix E.
The average strontium-90 concentration in the hock bones was 1.7 pCi/g of ash
(Figure 3). Strontium-89, plutonium-238 and -239 were not detected in any of
the animals sampled. Detectable levels of plutonium-239 have generally been
reported in 10 to 25 percent of the bone samples analyzed during the last few
years.
Cesium-137 concentrations ranging from 13 to 35 pCi/kg wet weight were
detected in the kidneys of only five of the sheep. Tritium was not found in
any of the kidney samples.
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBITS
Area 18 Rabbits
In June, three Area 18 jackrabbits were collected and selected tissues
sampled. The analytical data are presented in the tables of Appendix G.
Concentr~tions of potassium-40 and cesium-137 detected were of similar
magnitude to those found in corresponding tissues collected from the beef
14
-------
cattle which also graze this area.
ingesta of any of the rabbits.
Tritium levels in the aqueous portion of the muscle tissues from all
three rabbits were reported as <350 pCi!l. This is not greatly different from
that found in the Area 18 cattle and was considered to be within normal
environmental limits. Strontium-gO values ranged from 0.55 to 2.4 pCi/g of
bone ash with a median value of 0.88 pCi/g. Strontium-89 was not detected in
the bones of any of the rabbits.
Beryllium-7 was not detected in the
Plutonium levels in the internal organs and bones were similar to those
reported from the Area 18 beef cattle. Plutonium concentrations in those
samples subject to external contamination, i.e. the gastrointestinal tract and
the skin, were markedly higher than the internal tissues. Plutonium
concentrations detected in the rabbit muscle tissue were usually higher than
those reported for the cattle. This may be due to external contamination
introduced by trauma from the passage of 20-gauge shotgun pellets.
Area 15 Rabbits
Rabbits from the Area 15 experimental farm were collected and sampled in
July. Analytical data from analyses 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. Tritium concentrations in the aqueous portion of the Area 15
rabbit tissues were all above the lower limit of detection with a median value
of 1,300 pCi/l and a range of 700 to 3,900 pCi/l.
Strontium-90 values in bone ranged from 0.32 to 3.0 pCi/g of ash with a
median value of 2.2 pCi/g. Strontium-89 was not detected in any bone samples.
Plutonium concentrations in the muscles and internal organs of the Area
15 rabbits were similar to those from the Area 18 rabbits. This was also true
of the bone concentrations except that reported for rabbit #2. This value of
17 I 3.6 pCi/kg is the highest value detected in a bone sample from an Area 15
rabbit since the first samples were collected in 1974 and must be viewed as
suspect.
The plutonium levels in tissues subject to environmental contamination
(skin and gastrointestinal tract) were generally higher in the rabbits from
Area 15. These findings and those noted for other Area 15 animals in previous
reports (Smith et al. 1977b, 1978a, 1978b, 1979 and 1980) indicate that the
environs of Area 15 contain elevated levels of tritium and plutonium when
compared to other NTS areas that are frequently sampled by the AlP.
NEVADA TEST SITE HORSE
A feral 'colt that died at the Area 15 farm soon after being struck by a
motor vehicle, was necropsied and sampled. The analytical data from these
samples are listed in Appendix H.
15
-------
Cesium-13: levels in the so~t tissues ranged from 33 to 58 pCi/kg. The
bone a~h contalned 3.6 I 0.24 pCl/g of strontium-gO. Strontium-8g,
plut?nlUm-238 and -239 were not detected in any of the samples. There is
nothlng remarkable about any of these findings which probably reflects the
juvenile status of the animal at its death.
NEVADA TEST SITE CARNIVORES
A juvenile coyote and a mature bobcat were sampled following their
accidental deaths. Analytical data for these samples are presented in
Appendices I and J.
Cesium-137 was detected in the soft tissues of both animals with slightly
higher levels present in the bobcat. The value of 200 pCi/kg in the bobcat's
muscle was the highest cesium-137 concentration reported from any NTS animal
during 1979.
The tritium concentration in the aqueous portion of the coyote's kidney
was reported as 1,900 I 310 pCi/l. As the coyote was killed near the Area 12
camp, the source of this tritium was thought to be the waters that drain the
tunnel test areas of Rainier Mesa.
Both the coyote and bobcat contained similar levels of strontium-90 in
the bones (4.9 versus 2.3 pCi/g ash) and plutonium-239 in the lungs (0.85
versus 0.81 pCi/kg). These concentrations are comparable to those found in
coyotes sampled in previous years.
NEVADA TEST SITE CHUKARS
The AlP collected chukars in December from camps at each of three tunnel
areas (E, G, and T tunnels) in Area 12. The data from their tissues are
reported in Appendix K.
The strontium-90, cesium-137, plutonium-238 and -239 concentrations
reported were not significantly different from those of 1978. However, the
tritium levels in the aqueous portion of the muscle tissue ranged from
1.4 x 104 to 2.3 X 106 pCi/l. These elevated levels undoubtedly resulted from
the use of the tunnel drainage waters by the chukars as their sole water
supply.
NEVADA TEST SITE EAGLES
Golden eagles migrate through the NTS every winter. They frequently
perch on the transformers at various substations where their great wing span
often results in fatal shorting across two electrica1 circuits. During 1979
two eagles were sampled following such accidents. The data from their tissues
are listed in Appendix L.
16
-------
No unexpected radionuclides were detected and the concentrations were
similar to those of previous years. The strontium-90 concentrations in bone
ash were 3.1 and 2.6 pCi/g. Tritium concentrations in the aqueous portion of
muscle tissue were 1,200 and 840 pCi/l which was considered within normal
environmental limits. Plutonium-239 was detected only in internal organ
samples.
NEVADA TEST SITE SPRING WATERS AND ALGAE
Several natural springs that serve as a source of water for wildlife were
sampled during 1979. The spring locations are shown in Figure 1. The waters
were analyzed for gamma-emitting radionuclides and tritium. The results are
shown in Table 5.
Detectable levels of gamma-emitting radionuclides were not found in any
of the waters and the tritium levels were either within environmental limits
or below detectable concentrations.
Algae samples were also collected from Cane, Captain Jack, and Topopah
Springs. All of these samples contained detectable levels of naturally
occurring potassium-40. In addition, algae from Topopah Spring contained 29 I
16 pCi of cesium-137 per kilogram wet weight and the algae from Cane Spring
contained 190 I 41 pCi of cesium-137 and 60 I 28 pCi of cobalt-60 per kilogram
wet wei ght.
TABLE 5.
TRITIUM AND GAMMA ANALYSIS OF NEVADA TEST SITE SPRING WATERS, 1979
Water Analysis
3H
Spring Name Date Gamma Analysis pCi/l
Cane 5/4 GSN <320
Captain Jack 5/4 GSN 1,000 I210
Tippipah 5/4 GSN 560 I 210
Topopah 5/4 GSN <320
Green 5/4 GSN 420 I 200
Tub 5/4 GSN <320
White Rock 5/4 GSN <320
Oak 5/4 GSN 730 I 190
GSN = Gamma Spectrum Negligible
17
-------
NECROPSY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS
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 M.
As in previous years, sarcocysts were detected in deer skeletal muscle
tissues. This is a ubiquitous parasite found in both warm- and cold-blooded
vertebrates and is considered to have little clinical significance (Merck and
Company 1973).
The incidence of other clinical conditions encountered in beef animals,
such as the ocular squamous cell carcinoma (number 4), was felt to be within
normal limits for the populations examined. Occasionally obser~ed histologic
findings; e.g., hemosiderosis of the spleen, mild liver and ki~n~y changes,
and myositis, were felt to be within normal levels by the examlnlng
pathologist. No pathology, gross or microscopic, was observed that could be
directly attributed to ionizing radiation.
HYPOTHETICAL DOSE ESTIMATES
Although meat from animals living on the Nevada Test Site is not
available for consumption by the general public, the various doses to a
standard man 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 Radiological Protection (1959. 1968. 1977)
and Dillman (1969). The estimates were calculated using the maximum observed
concentrations of the radionuclides in edible tissues of the cattle, deer,
rabbits and chukar sampled (summarized in Table 6), and the postulated
consumption of 500 grams (about 1 pound) of the meat each day for a year. The
minimum detectable values of Table 6 were used in the dose calculations when
they were the maximum value for a given tissue.
Although doses are calculated for ingestion of tissues from a chukar and
rabbit, these doses are not compared to the dose guide. Furthermore, these
doses are not used in discussing the maximum hypothetical doses because it is
doubtful that enough similar tissue could be obtained to provide the I-year
intake quantities.
The International Commission for Radiological 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.
18
-------
Table 6 presents a summary of the maximum observed concentrations in
selected tissues of the animals. The indicated confidence intervals are twice
the standard deviation (2S) based on counting statistics. The total analytical
uncertainties at two standard deviations for the plutonium results are
estimated to be about 0.2 pCi/kg for results of several tenths of a pCi/kg, or
several times the indicated counting uncertainties. Thus, differences between
values, when the values are under several tenths of a pCi/kg, have limited
statistical significance given the total analytical uncertainties of the
results.
Table 7 lists postulated doses based on the data for maximum
concentrations for the various nuclides summarized in Table 6. The column on
the right shows 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.
The highest postulated dose, 2.6 millirems (mrem), would result from
ingesting deer meat (liver). This dose estimate is based on a quality factor
(ICRF, 1975) of 20, rather than the value of 10 used in former reports. This
dose is 0.5 percent of the guide of 500 mrem per year. All of the other
postulated doses are about 1 mrem or less and are similar to those estimated
for 1977 and 1978 (Smith et al. 1978b, 1979 and 1980).
19
-------
TABLE 6.
SUMMARY OF PEAK RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES FROM
NEVADA TEST SITE ANIMALS, 1979
Radionuclide Concentrations (pCi/kg wet weight)
Area 18 Area 5 NTS
Area 18 Cattl e NTS Mule Deer Rabbits Rabbits Chukar
Kidney Kidney
Nucl ide Mu sc 1 e Liver (pCi /1) Mu sc 1 e Li ver (pCi/l) Muscle Muscle Muscle
238Pu <0.099 0.25:!: 0.14 NA <1. 3 9.5 :!: 1.7 NA <1.4 <1.1 <1. 3
239PU <0.099 0.69:!: 0.25 NA 4.6 :!: 2.3 4.6:!: 1.0 NA 3.9 :!: 1.8 3.2:!: 1.0 0.35:!: 0.16
N
0
137CS 38:!: 13 25:!: 16 NA 22 :!: 11 <7.0 NA 34 :!: 14 59:!: 21 37 :!: 16
3H NA NA 970 :!: 290* NA NA 480:!: 120* < 350* 3900:!: 260* 2.3 x 106'*
:!: 4 x 10
NA = Not analyzed
* = pCi/l - aqueous portion of kidney or muscle
-------
TABLE 7.
POSTULATED DOSE TO MAN FOLLOWING INGESTION OF SELECTED TISSUES FOR ONE YEAR
Nuclide
Human Organ for
Which Dose was
Calculated
Animal Tissue
Containing Maxi-
mum Concentration
pCi/kg
of
Tissue
Dose Factor
mrem:pCi/da
(l-year
ingestion)*
Dose
(mrem)
Percent
0.5 rem
3Ht Body water NTS chukar, muscle 2.3 x lOot 3.6 x 10-5 41.
.
3Ht Body water Area 18 cattle, kidney 970:!: 290t 3.6 x 10-5 0.02 <0.1
137C s Whole body tissue Area 15 rabbit, muscle 59 :!: 21 0.022 0.65 .
137C s Whole body tissue Area 18 cattle, muscle 38 :!: 13 0.022 0.42 0.1
238PU Bone NTS mule deer, .l i ver 9.5 :!: 1.7 0.54 2.6 0.5
N
.....
2 3 9P u Bone NTS mule deer, liver 4.6 :!: 1.0 0.32 1.5 0.3
* The doses from plutonium-238 and -239, and to a lesser extent cesium-137, are not delivered within the
I-year ingestion period, but, for simplification, the doses have been related to the guide for one year.
The doses for plutonium are actually for a 50-year period, but it should be recognized that the doses
are resulting from ingestion over a I-year period. The dose factors are based on a quality factor (QF)
of 1 for tritium and cesium-137 and 20 for plutonium-238-239 (ICRP, 1977. The QF of 20 used for
plutonium is twice the value used in previous reports (Smith et al. 1978b, 1979, 1980). Therefore the
doses reported here are twice the values that would have been obtained using the dose factor from former
repo rts .
tThe reported tritium concentrations are for muscle and kidney tissue. It is assumed that the
concentration in edible tissues (water plus organic) is equal to that of the reported results.
.The percent of the 0.5 rem dose guide is not calculated for these tissues because it is not reasonable
to assume that someone could consume 500 9 of meat per day from these small animals. Specifically, it
is doubtful whether there are that many chukars on the Nevada Test Site.
-------
OTHER ACTIVITIES
DEER MIGRATION STUDY
A sizeable mule deer herd resides in the mountainous regions of the NTS
during the summer. If they move to unrestricted lands, these deer may be
hunted by members of the public. A study to determine migration patterns of
the herd through tracking of individual deer outfitted with collars containing
miniature radio transmitters was begun in 1975 and continued through 1979.
From August through December 1979, 26 NTS mule deer (Table 8) were
captured, either by chemical restraint of free-ranging animals (Smith et al.
1978a) or by trapping (Giles 1979). Ten deer were outfitted with collars
containing new radio transmitters, ear tags, and reflective numbers. One deer
was outfitted with a re-conditioned radio transmitter collar that had been
recovered from a deer captured prior to 1979. One deer died from unknown
causes within 10 days of capture. Another deer was killed when it was hit by
a motor vehicle. Both radios were recovered and placed on other deer during
1979. These 11 newly installed transmitters brought to 25 the total number of
working transmitters in the field (14 from previous years). Laboratory
personnel monitored the movements of the deer weekly with hand-held receivers
and directional antenna. Thirteen other deer were captured but were
unsuitable for collaring and were released after visible markers (ear tags and
reflective collars) had been attached.
Eighteen of the deer were captured at the Area 19 trapsite and
immobil i zed with M-991M (etorphi ne). The other ei ght deer were captured with
the Cap Chur1M gun (Palmer Chemical Company) and immobilized with Sernylan1M
(phencyclidine hydrochloride), and acepromazine maleate (Ayerest Laboratories,
Inc.).
The deer did not follow the migration pattern of the last few winters.
The deer tagged in Areas 19 and 20 were dispersed over a wider area of the NTS
and Nellis Bombing and Gunnery Range (NBGR) and several migrated to the north.
As shown in Figure 4 one male deer traveled west off NTS onto the NBGR in the
vicinity of Black Mountain, which is approximately 40 km north-northeast of
Beatty, Nevada. Two does wintered in the NBGR just west of the Area 20
boundary. One doe and one buck wintered north of Area 19 on the NBGR in the
southern portion of the Belted Range. A doe captured on December 4, 1979 at
the Echo Peak trap site was observed in June and August 1980 by survey crews
working on the MX site selection in the Barley Creek Area of Nye County. This
sighting, reported by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, took place over 160
~Registered trademark, Bio-Ceutic Laboratories, Inc.
l~egistered trademark, American Cyanamid
22
-------
1.0.
Age
Estimated Sex
1 Red
1 Red
2 Red
2 Red
3 Red
4 Red
5 Red
6 Red
7 Red
8 Red
9 Red
10 Red
4 Blue
K
L
3-4
3-4
2-3
3-4
6-7
4-5
2-3
3-4
2-3
5-6
1-2
2-3
1
1
TABLE 8.
Weight
Estimated
(kg)
F
43
M
40
F
41
F
62
F
42
M
90
F
45
F
46
F
45
M
55
F
62
F
47
F
45
M
34
M
40
DEER CAPTURE INFORMATION, 1979
Date
Captured
07/05
08/16
07/17
10/10
07/10
07/18
08/17
07/26
08/21
09/19
10/09
10/16
06/25
07/06
07/17
Capture
Location
2 mi 1 es east of
First Aid Station
along Pahute Mesa
Road, Area 20
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
Mud pond along
Pahute Mesa Road
at junction of
Areas 19 and 20
Turnoff to U-19-F
along Pahute Mesa
Road, Area 19
Pahute Mesa Road
at junction of
Areas 19 and 20
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
1 mil e east of
First Aid Station,
Area 20
2.5 miles N.W. of
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
U-19-E and Dead
Horse Flat Road,
Area 19
East of the mud
plant at section
of Areas 19 20
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
Echo Peak trap
site, Area 19
23
Comments
Found dead 07/17/79 1/2 mile east of
capture site. Cause of death unknown,
seen day after capture - appeared to be
okay. Radio recovered.
Road kill 07/18/80. Echo Peak turnoff
on Pahute Mesa Road, radio recovered.
Road kill 10/08/79 1 mile west of Pahute
C.P. on Pahute Mesa Road.
Radio recovered.
Doe in good flesh. Wintered Timber
Mountain, 40 Mile Canyon.
Lactating doe in good condition spent
portion of summer and all winter on
Timber Mountain and Beatty Wash areas.
Previously captured 09/22/76 as old tag
#A. Ruck in excellent condition. Spent
winter on Timber Mountain, 40 Mile
Canyon area.
Lactating doe in good flesh. Spent
winter on south Timber Mountain.
Dry doe in good flesh, no tracking data,
unable to locate animal after second day.
No visual sighting or radio signal.
Lactating doe in fair flesh. Winter
Timber Mountain, 40 Mile Canyon area.
Buck in good flesh. Wintered on
bombing and gunnery range west of Area
20 in the Black Mountain area.
Lactating doe in excellent condition.
Wintered Area 30 and Timber Mountain
area.
Wintered north end of Area 19 in the
Belted Range.
Lactating doe in good condition, given
reconditioned radio. Seen 09/13/79 with
two fawns. Wintered in Yucca Mountain
and Buggy area.
Buck too small for radio - given
visual tag.
Buck too small for radio - given visual
tag.
(continued)
-------
TABLE 8. (Continued)
Weight
Age Est i ITOIted Date Capture
1.0. Estimated Sex (kg) Captured Location Conments
M 3-4 M 85 D9/1~ Echo Peak trap Buck too large for radi 0 given vi sua 1
site, Area 19 tag.
N 5-6 M 85 09/20 Echo Peak trap On 08/10/77 was outfitted with Blue
site, Area 19 7 radio which was lost at a later
date. Now too large for radios,
given visual tag only.
P 5-6 M 95 09/14 Echo Peak trap Buck too large for radio given vi sua 1
site, Area 19 tag.
S 1 M 45 09/79 Echo Peak trap Small buck given ear tag and red tags.
site, Area 19 Seen U-19-E Res. 07/28/80.
F-2 fawn F 13 09/20 Echo Peak trap Female fawn. Given ear tags.
site, Area 19
F-3 fawn M 17 10/10 Echo Peak trap Male fawn in good flesh. Given ear
site, Area 19 tags on ly.
F-4 fawn F 18 10/10 Echo Peak trap Female fawn in good flesh. Given ear
site, Area 19 tags on ly. Seen in Echo Peak area
12/17-18/79, seen 1/2 mile North of
traps 07/28/80.
F-5 fawn F 17 10/11 Echo Peak trap Female fawn in good flesh. Given ear
site, Area 19 tags only.
A-1 5-6 M 114 10/11 Echo Peak trap Large buck in excellent flesh. Gi ven
site~ Area 19 ear tags and visual tag.
B-1 3-4 F 68 12/04 Echo Peak trap Doe in good flesh. Given ear tags and
site, Area 19 reference number. Seen Echo Peal<
12/17/79, seen Bailey Creek, over 100
miles from capture site 06/20/80.
08/13/80 reported by MX missle survey
crew to Nevada Department of Wildlife.
C-1 F 42 12105 Echo Peak trap Female fawn given ear tags only.
site, Area 19 Retrapped following night.
24
-------
'"
c
n
"
"
...
"~
'"
'"
- - - ----"\
[
:;;:
I':,
o
g
z
z:;
C>
:0
----~
I
I
----4
I
I
I
---~
I :
i ---,j
~
1
Air
Strip
I Buffer Zone : :
: ~I_"\
-rUCIe~; Rocket oevelo;~~C' J '
1--- Station'
/ I
. I
I
: N R 0 S, I
(",,:"0' :
f----. L_E5u
HIIV}/9S
CPl
Scale In F"et
"'... ,
1 0000 0
\
\
Desert Game
Range
30000
Scal" In M"ters
H""''''''''''''P''''''qt
o 5000 10000 '-------
Mule Deer Capture and Wintering Area,
Las Vegas 165 miles
from Mercury)
1979
Figure 4.
Mule deer capture and wintering areas, 1979.
25
-------
km from the capture point. The remainder of the deer tagged in Area 19 went
south to Timber Mountain, 40 Mile Canyon areas and Beatty Wash.
INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER PROJECTS
There were no livestock damage claims that required investigation during
1979.
AlP personnel monitored the natural springs of the NTS on a periodic
basis and repaired or rehabilitated as indicated.
The beef herd was maintained on the natural vegetation of Area
Grazing areas were controlled by moving the water supply to various
during the year. Cottonseed oil meal supplement was fed during the
months.
18.
locations
winter
PUBLIC INFORMATION AND AREA 15 FARM
The offsite public information program continued by direct contact with
ranchers, by lectures to civic organizations, and by briefings of groups
touring the EMSL-LV or the NTS Experimental Farm. During 1978, the objectives
and findings of the AlP were presented to 275 NTS visitors in 20 different
tour groups. Approximately 200 additional drop-in visitors to the farm
received informal briefings.
The Area 15 farm, in addition to its major function as an experimental
dairy farm, also served as the field station for the NTS operation of the AlP.
As such it provided the facilities for the maintenance of the horses,
rumen-fistulated steers, and beef bulls; weaning of calves; and production of
alfalfa hay. A reorganization and reduction in force at EMSL-LV in 1979
resulted in changes in the farm operation. In June the dairy herd was
dispersed and in September maintenance of the farm was placed under a
contractor (Lloyd Enterprises).
The Area 15 farm served as a training site for participants in the
Radiological Emergency Response Course sponsored by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Office of State Programs. This course, taught by the Reynolds
Electrical and Engineering Company for DOE, NVO, was presented 16 times during
1979.
26
-------
REFERENCES
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. 1. 1969. "Radionuclide decay schemes and nuclear parameters for
use in radiation-dose estimation. II Medical Internal Radiation Dose
Committee. J. Nucl. Med. Supplement No.2.
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. II
Hardy, E~, P. Krey, and H. Volchok. 1972. Global Inventory and Distribution
of 238Pu from SNAP-9A. HASL-250. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
International Commission on Radiological Protection. 1959. Report of
Committee lIon Permissible Dose for Internal Radiation. ICRP Report No.
2.
International Commission on Radiological Protection. 1968. Evaluation of
Radiation Doses to Body Tissues from Internal Contamination Due to
Occupational Exposure. ICRP Report No. 10.
International Commission on Radiological Protection. 1977. Recommendations
of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. ICRP
Report No. 26.
Johns, F. B. 1979. National Environmental Research Center - Las Vegas
Handbook of Radiochemical Analytical Methods. EMSL-LV-539-17. u.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 109 pp.
Krey, P. W. and B. T. Krajewski. 1972.
F1 ats.1I HASL-249. pp. 1-67. l!!.:
Program' Quarterly Summary Report.
IIPlutonium Isotopic Ratios at Rocky
Health and Safety Laboratory Fallout
E. P. Hardy, Jr.
27
-------
Leavitt, V. D. 1970. Soil Survey of Area 18, Nevada Test Site. SWRHL-74.
U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Southwestern
Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 119 pp.
Major, W. J., K. D. Lee, and R. A. Wessman. 1975. "Analysis of 239pu and
241Am in NAEG Large-Sized Bovine Samples. II N~0-1~3. l!:!.: The.
Radioecology of Plutonium and Other TransuranlCS ln Desert Env~ro~ments.
M. G. White and P. B. Dunaway (eds.). U.S. Atomic Energy Commlsslon.
Matlock, G. M., J. H. Patterson, G. B. Nelson, and G. R. Wate~burg: 1976.
Dissolution Rates of 238Pu02 and 239Pu02 in 1 M Perchlorlc ACld. UC-4.
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.
Mitchell, R. F. 1960.
concentrations."
"Electrodeposition of actinide elements at tracer
Anal. Chern. 32:326.
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.
Radiation Protection Criteria. Report No. 39.
Nuclear Radiation Assessment Division. 1980. Offsite Environmental
Monitoring Report for the Nevada Test Site and Other Test Areas Used for
Underground Nuclear Detonations, January Through December 1979.
EMSL-LV-0539-36. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring Systems Laboratory. Las Vegas, Nevada. 93 pp.
1971.
Basic
Patterson, J.H., G. B. Nelson, and G. M. Matlock. 1974. The Dissolution of
Plutonium-238 in Environmental and Biological Systems. LA-5624. Los
Alamos Scientific Laboratory. 6 pp.
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. W. Brown. 1981. Preliminary Grazing Studies with Rumen-
Fistulated Steers at Selected Nuclear Test Sites. EPA-600j3-81-004,
DOEjDPj0059-039. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 32 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, Ne~ada. 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. '
28
-------
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.
Smith, D. D., K. R. Giles, and D. E. Bernhardt. 1977a. Animal Investigation
Program 1973 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EMSL-LV-0539-3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 31 pp.
Animal Investigation
Environmental
Center, Las Vegas,
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.
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.
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.
Smith, D. D., D. E. Bernhardt, and K. R. Giles. 1980. Animal Investigation
Program 1978 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity.
EPA-600j3-80-096, DOEjDPj0059-038. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory~ Las Vegas, Nevada. 65 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 detennination." Anal. Chem. 44:280-282.
29
-------
U.S. Department of Energy. 1977. "Standards for Radiation Protection
Manual.~ U.S. Department of Energy Transmittal Notice. Chapter 0524.
Wish, L. and M. Rowell. 1956. Sequential Analysis of Tracer Amounts of Np,
U, and Pu in Fission-Product Mixtures by Anion Exchange. USNRDL-TR-117.
Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory, San Francisco, California.
34 pp.
30
-------
LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES
Table
Page
A-I
Summary of Analytical Procedures and Minimum Detectable
Act i v; t; es. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33
34
B-1
Plutonium Quality Assurance Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C-l
Plutonium Concentrations in Lungs and Tracheobronchial Lymph
Nodes, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, May 1979. . . . . . . . . . .
35
C-2
Plutonium Concentrations in Muscles and Livers, Beef Cattle,
A rea 18, NTS, May 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
C-3 Plutonium Concentrations in Rumen Contents and Reticulum
Sediments, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, May 1979. . . . .
. . . .
37
C-4 Plutonium Concentrations in Gonads and Fetus, Reef Cattle,
Area 18, NTS, October 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38
C-5 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Femurs, Beef
Cattle, Area 19, NTS, 197Q. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. ., . . 39
. . . . 40
C-6 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, May 1979 .
C-7 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, October 1979 . . .
D-l
D-2
41
Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Mule Deer,
NTS, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . 42
. . . . 44
. . . . 45
Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Hock Bones,
Mule Deer, NTS, 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Mule Deer, NTS, 1979. . . . . . . . .
E-l
E-2
Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Desert
Bighorn Sheep, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46
Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations in
Ki dneys, Desert Bi ghorn Sheep, 1979 . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
47
31
-------
Table
F-l
G-l
LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES (Continued)
Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 18, NTS, 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-2 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Rabbits,
Area 18, NTS, 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Rabbits, Area 18, NTS, 1979. . .
Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 15, NTS, 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G-2 Plutonium and Stontium Concentrations in Bones, Rabbits,
Area 15, NTS, 1979. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
H-l
J-l
K-l
L-l
M
G-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Rabbits, Area 15, NTS, 1979 . . . . .
Plutonium, Strontium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, NTS Horse, 1979
. . . .
. . . .
.....
Page
48
50
50
. . . . 51
. . . . 53
. . . . 54
. . . . . .
I-I
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, NTS Coyote, 1979. . . . . .
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, NTS Bobcat, 1979. . . . . .
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, NTS Chukars, 1979 . . . . .
Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, NTS Eagles, 1979. . . . . .
Gross and Microscopic Pathology Found in Necropsied
Animals, 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . .
32
55
56
57
58
60
61
-------
TABLE A-I.
SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES AND MINIMUM DETECTABLE ACTIVITIES
Counting
Type of Analytical Period Analyt ical Sampl e Minimum Detectable Activities
Ana lys i s EquilJllent (min) P roc edu re s Size (pCi/total sample)*
Gamma lithium-drifted germanium detectors calibrated 1,200 Radionuclide concentrations 300-m 1 For: 5"Mn, 60CO, 95Zr, 103Ku, 124ob,I32Te
Spectro- at approximately 0.5 KeY per channel input to quantitated from gamma spec- aluminum I3JI, J3"I, 137CS, 140Ba - 7 pLi
metry 4096 channels resident in the core of the trum by Nuclear Data 6620 cans For: 125Sb, l"ICS, - 3U pCi
Nuclear Data 6620 computer-based gamma computer-based gamma spec- For: 65Zn, 106Ku, I""£.e - 20 pLi
spectromet ry system. trometry system using vendor For: 181W - 85 pCi
supplied software. For: 7Be - 45 pCi
or by
10-cm-thick by 10 em-diameter Nal (Tl-act1- 1,000 Radionuclide concentration 300-m 1 For: 2"IJ11n - 35 pLi
vated) crystal with input to Nuclear Data 6620 quantitated by CDC-6400 aluminum
calibrated at 10 keY per channel in the 60 keY computer uSing least Squares cans For: 22Ma - 4 pC1
w to 2 MeY range. Technique. For: K - 0.08 g
w 89-90 Sr low-background th1 n-window, gas-flow propor- 50 Chemical separation by ion 89Sr - 5 pCi
2 g of For:
t10nal counter with a 5.7-em diameter window exchange. Separated sample ash 90Sr - 3 pCi
(80 IIg/an2). counted successively;
activity calculated by
simultaneous equations.
3H Automatic liquid scintillation cOlllter with 200 Sample prepared by dist1l1a- 5 ml 0.4 pCi/ml H20
output printer. tior..
238-239pU Alpha spectrometer with silicon surface 400- Ash sample is digested with 0.1-1 kg For all isotopes - 0.04 pCi
barr1 er detectors operated in vacuum 1,400 acid, purified by solvent wet wei!j1t
ch5Rbers. extraction and/or ion ex-
change, electroplated on
stainless steel planchet, 1-1Og
and COll1ted 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 whicn
equal 3.29 times the standard deviation based on counting only [Environmental Measurements laboratory (EMl-formerly HASL) Procedures Manual, HASL-30U,
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 or spectra showing naturally occurring radionuclides can raise the minimum detectable activities considerably.
-------
TABLE B-1. PLUTONIUM QUALITY ASSURANCE RESULTS
Tissue Wet Weight Activity Added Activity Reported Percent*
Type ( g) Nuclide (pCi/kg) (pCi/kg) Deviation
Liver 672 239pu 7.4 2.0 :!: 0.76 -73
238pu 1.6 1.3 :!: 0.57 -19
Liver 617 239pu 13 8.3 :!: 1.5 - 36
238pu 3.5 2.1 :!: 053 -40
Liver 682 239pu 5.6 3.4 :!: 0.91 - 39
238pu 0.48 <0.33 -31
Liver 839 239pU 0 1.04 :!: 0.72
238pu 0 0.72 :!: 0.58
Muscle 764 239pu 0 <0 .14
238pu 0 <0.16
~1uscle 788 239p 1.4 0.66 :!: 0.22 - 53
238 u
Pu 3.5 1.5 :!: 0.35 - 57
Muscle 645 239 6.0 7.5 :!: 1.3
23lu +25
Pu 1.7 1.04 :!: 0.38 -38
Muscle 756 239pu 3.0 3.1 :!: 0.54 + 3
238pu 3.6 0.69 :!: 0.21 -80
*Percent deviation = (x-u) x 100
u
where x = activity reported
u = activity added
34
-------
TABLE C-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LUNGS AND TRACHEOBRONCHIAL
LYMPH NODES, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, MAY 1979
238Pu 239Pu
An i ma 1 ( pC i / g As h ) pC i / g As h) Ash
Number ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC i / k g*) (%)
Lungs
1 0.011 :t 0.007 0.17 :t 0.035 1.3
0.14 :t 0.091 2.2 :t 0.45
2 0.013 :t 0.009 0.14 :t 0.032 1.1
0.14 :t 0.1 1.6 :t 0.36
3 <0.031 0.45 :t 0.11
<0.22 3.1 :t 0.75 0.7
Median 0.013 0.14 1.1
0.14 2.2
Range 0.011-<0.031 0.14-0.45
0.14-<0.22 1.6-3.1 0.7-1.3
Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes
1 Sample not collected
2 0.076 :t 0.068 0.77 :t 0.23
0.46 :t 0.41 4.6 :t 1.4 0.6
3** <0.06 <0.1
<1.4 <2.3 2.3
Median
Range <0.06-0.076 0.77-<0.1
0.46-<1.4 <2 .3- 4.6 0.6-2.3
*Wet weight
**Recounted data
35
-------
TABLE C-2. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN MUSCLES AND LIVERS,
REEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, MAY 1979
238pu 239pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) pCi /g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Muscles
1 0.008 :t 0.007 <0.027
0.04 :t 0.035 <0.13 0.5
2 <0.004 0.004 :t 0.003
<0.092 0.092 :t 0.069 2.3
3 <0.004 0.004 :t 0.003
<0.099 0.099 :t 0.072 2.8
Median <0.004 0.004
<0.092 0.099 2.3
Range <0.004-0.008 0.004-<0.027
0.04-<0.099 0.092-<0.13 0.5-2.8
Livers
1 0.007 :t 0.004 0.019 :t 0.007
0.25 :t 0.14 0.69 :t 0.25 3.6
2 <0.005 0.014 :t 0.005
<0.22 0.6 :t 0.26 4.4
3 <0.014 0.019 :t 0.010
<0.43 0.6 :t 0.31 3.1
Median 0.007 0.014
0.25 0.6 3.6
Range <0.005-<0.014 0.014-0.019
<0.22 -<0.43 0.6 -0.69 3.1-4.4
*Wet weight
36
-------
TABLE C-3.
PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN RUMEN CONTENTS AND RETICULUM
SEDIMENTS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, MAY 1979
An i ma 1
Number
238pU
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
2 3 9p u
pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
(%)
Rumen Contents
1
0.022 I 0.008 0.077 I 0.018
0.63 I 0.23 2.2 I 0.52 2.9
0.02 I 0.007 0.1 I 0.02
0.2 I 0.075 1.1 I 0.2 1.0
0.043 I 0.014 0.21 I 0.043
0.6 I 0.19 3.0 I 0.6 1.4
0.022 0.1
0.6 2.2 1.4
0.02-0.043 0.077-0.21
0.2-0.63 1.1-3 1-;:>.9
Reticulum Sediments
Sample not collected
4.9 I 0.58 230 I27
3,800 I 450 180,000 I 21,000 78
0.013 I 0.007 0.086 I 0.022
11 I6.1 75 I 19 87
2
3
Median
Range
1
2**
3
Median
Range
0.013-4.9
11-3,800
0.086-230
75-180,000
78-87
*Wet weight
**Verified by Eberline-duplicate analyses done.
37
-------
TABLE C-4. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN GONADS AND FETUS,
REEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, OCTOBER 197q
238pU 239pu
An i ma 1 (pCi I 9 As h) pC i I 9 As h) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Gonads
4 0.098 :t 0.066 0.12 :t 0.073
1.1 :t 0.78 1.4 :t 0.86 1.2
5 0.082 :t 0.050 0.045 :t 0.037
1.4 :t 0.84 0.74 :t 0.61 1.7
6 Sample not collected
Median
Range 0.082-0.098 0.045-0.12
1.1-1.4 0.74-1.4 1.2-1.7
Fetus
4
0.003 :t 0.002
0.22 :t 0.17
0.014 :t 0.005
0.94 :t 0.37
7
* ~/et wei ght
38
-------
TABLE C-5. PLUTONIUM AND STKONTIUM CONCENTKATIONS IN FI::MUKS,
BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1979
238pu 239pU 89Sr 90Sr
An i ma 1 ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pC i / kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
May
1 <0.006 0.007 :t 0.004 <0 .19 3.1 :t 0.4 18
<1.1 1.2 :t 0.71 <34 550 :t 70
2 <0.007 <0.004 <0.22 0.4 :t 0.16 31
<2.1 <1.2 <67 120 :t 50
3 <0.009 0.006 :t 0.005 <0 . 14 0.6 :t 0.17 24
<2.8 1.5 :t 1.2 <34 150 :t 40
Median <0.007 <0.006 <0 . 19 0.6 24
<2.1 1.2 <34 150
Ra nge <0.006-<0.009 <0.004-<0.007 <0.14-<0.22 0.4-3.1 18-31
<1.1-<2.8 <1.2-1.5 <34-<67 120-550
October
4 <0.011 0.006 :t 0.004 <0.1 0.71 :t 0.19 29
<3.2 1.8 :t 1.2 <29 210 :t 60
5 <0.006 <0.009 <0 . 13 2.4 :t 0.1 25
<1.5 <2.3 <33 610 :t 30
6 <0.009 <0.009 <0.1 0.73 :t 0.14 28
<2.5 <2.5 <27 200 :t 40
Median <0.009 <0 .009 <0.1 0.73 28
<2.5 <2.3 <29 210
Range <0.006-<0.011 0.006-<0.009 <0 . 1- <0 . 13 0.71-2.4 25-29
<1.5-<3.2 1.8-<2.5 <27- <3 3 200-610
* Wet 'He i ght
39
-------
TABLE C-6. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, MAY 1979
An i ma 1
Number
Muscles
K (g/ k g*)
13 7 Cs ( pC i / k g* )
L un gs
K (g/kg*)
Live rs
K (g/kg*)
Ki dneys
K (g/kg*)
137CS(pCi/kg*)
Rumen Contents
K (g/ k g*)
137CS(pCi/kg*)
Blood
3 H (pC i /1)
1 4.1 :!: 0.34 5.0 :!: 0.38 3.6 :!: 0.24 8.9 :!: 0.74 7.3 :!: 0.64 970 :!: 290
23 :!: 16 <7** <7**
2 4.8 :!: 0.32 3.9 :!: 0.43 8.3 :!: 0.7 3 . 1 :!: O. 28 2.1 :!: 0.22 510 :!: 280
~ 30 :!: 14 21 :!: 10 <7**
0
3 4.4 :!: 0.34 14 :!: 1.5 3.3 :!: 0.33 3.9 :!: 0.3 16 :!: 2 680 :!: 280
38 :!: 13 <7** 24 :!: 10
Median 4.4 5.0 3.6 3.9 7.3 680
30 <7** <7**
Range 4.1 - 4.8 3.9 - 14 3.3 - 8.3 3.1 - 8.9 2.1 - 16 510 - 970
23 - 38 <7** - 21 <7** - 24
*Wet weight
**In total s ampl e
-------
TABLE C-7. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND Tf{ITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, OCTOBER 1979
Muscles Lungs Livers Kidneys Rumen Contents Blood
K (g/kg*) K (g/kg*) K (g/ k g*)
(g/kg*) K (g/kg*) 137 Cs (pCi /kg*)
Number 137CS(pCi/kg*) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 7Be( pCi/kg*) 3 H ( pC i /l )
4 2.3 ~ 0.17 11 ~ 1.0 3.7 ~ 0.41 3.3 f 0.27 2.5 ~ 0.23 <350
<7** <7** 16 ~ 15 <7** 32 ~ 15
770 ~ 210
5 4.8 ~ 0.17 4.7 ~ 0.23 3.5 ~ 0.29 3.8 ~ 3.0 3.1 ~ 0.31 <350
28 ~ 12 65 ~ 12 25 ~ 16 26 ~ 12 <7**
<45**
.po. 6 1.5 ~ 0.21 12 ~ 0.52 4.1 ~ 0.27 3.9 ~ 0.85 3.5 ~ 0.23 <350
......
<7** 24 ~ 22 <7** <7** <7**
<45**
Median 2.3 11 3.7 3.8 3.1 <350
7** 24 16 <7** <7**
<45**
Range 1.5 - 4.8 4.7 - 12 3.5 - 4.1 3.3 - 39 2.5 - 3.5 <350 - <350
<7** - 28 <7** - 65 <7** - 25 <7** - 26 <7** - 32
<45** - 770
*Wet we i ght
**In total sampl e
-------
TABLE 0-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, MULE DEER,
NTS., 1979
238pu 239pU
An i mal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Muscles
1 <0.004 0.018 :t 0.007 5.9
<0.24 1.1 :t 0.4
2 <0.003 0.016 :t 0.007 2.6
<0.078 0.42 :t 0.18
3 <0.02 <0.049 1.0
<0.21 <0.51
4 <0.023 0.082 :t 0.04 5.6
<1.3 4.6 :t 2.3
Median <0.012 <0.34 4.1
<0.23 <0.81
Range <0.003-<0.023 0.016-0.082 1-5.9
<0.078-<1.3 0.42-4.6
Gonads
1 <0.007 0.053:t 0.019 3.7
<0.26 2 :t 0.7
Lungs
1 <0.008 0.03 :t 0.013 3.1
<0.24 0.92 :t 0.4
2 <0.039 0.028 :t 0.02 1
<0.41 0.29 :t 0.21
3 <0.005 0.006 :t 0.004 1.5
<0 .075 0.09 :t 0.06
4 <0.035 0.089 :t 0.028 3.8
<1.3 3.4 :t 1.1
Median <0.022 0.029 2.3
<0 .33 0.62
Range <0.005 - <0.039 0.006 - 0.089 1-3.8
<0.075 - <1.3 0.09 - 3.4
(continued)
42
-------
TABLE 0-1. (Continued)
Animal 238pU 239pU
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Livers
1 0.16 :t 0.028 0.076 :t 0.017 6.1
9.5 :t 1.7 4.6 :t 1.0
2 <0.004 <0.005 5.3
<0.23 <0.28
3 Sample not collected
4 <0.012 0.021 :t 0.014 5.9
<0.69 1.2 :t 0.82
Median <0.012 0.021 5.9
<0.69 1.2
Range <0.004 - 0.16 <0.005 - 0.076 5.3-6.1
<0.23 - 9.5 <0.28 - 4.6
Rumen Contents
1 <0.013 0.074 :t 0.028 4.8
<0.62 3.6 :t 1.3
2 <0.007 0.038 :t 0.014 1.2
<0.085 0.46 :t 0.17
3 0.014 :t 0.006 0.049 :t 0.013 1.4
0.19 :t 0.081 0.66 :t 0.18
4 <0.042 0.08 :t 0.037 4.8
<2.0 3.8 :t 1.7
Median <0.01 0.062 3.1
<0.41 2.1
Range <0.007-<0.042 0.038-0.08 1.2-4.8
<0.085-<2.0 0.46-3.8
* Wet weight
43
-------
TABLE 0-2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN HOCK BONES, MULE
DEER, NTS, 1979
238pu 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
An i ma 1 ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 <0.015 <0.005 <8.4 3.8 :t 0.12 36
<5.4 <1.8 <3,000 1,300 :t 40
2 <0 .012 <0 .009 <0.26 1.8 :t 0.2 35
<4.2 <3.1 <91 630 :t 70
3 <0.009 <0.005 <0 .17 2.9 :t 0.2 37
<3.3 <1.9 <63 1,100 :t 70
4 <0.008 <0.005 <2.1 1. 7 :t 0.18 25
<2.0 <1.2 <520 430 :t 45
Median <0.011 <0.007 <1.2 2.4 36
<3.8 <1.9 <300 870
Range <0.008-<0.015 <0.005-<0.009 <0 . 17 - <8 .4 1.7 -3.8 25-37
<2.0 - <5.4 <1.2 -<3.1 <63 -<3,000 430 -1,300
* Wet weight
44
-------
TABLE 0-3. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
MJLE DEER, NTS, 1979
Muscles Lungs Livers Ki dneys Rumen Contents Thyroids Blood
K(g/kg*) Kg(g/kg*)
K(g/kg*) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 137Cs (pci/kg*)
Number 1 37 C S ( pC i / k g*) K (g/ k g*) K (g/ k g*) 3 H ( pC i /1 t) 7 B e ( pC i / k g*) K (g/ k g*) 3 H ( pC i /1 )
1 5.0 :t 0.29 4.0 :t 0.39 4.8:t 0.5 3.3 :t 0.27 3.2 :t 0.48 <0.08=1= 460 :t 250
22 :t 11 52 :t 13 62 :t 30
NA 820 :t 410
2 8.5 :t 0.62 5.8 :t 0.49 4.7:t 0.32 4.4 :t 0.44 2.4 :t 0.26 1.7:t 0.25 480:t 280
<7 .0; <7 .0; <7 . 0;
NA 210 :t 130
3 7.6 :t 0.58 1. 7 :t 0.22 S.N.C. 3.5 :t 0.76 5.4 :t 0.32 1.0:t 0.25 NA
<7.0; <7 .0; <7.0;
~ <350 <45*
(J'I
4 7.4 :t 0.56 3.7 :t 0.51 3.1:t 0.29 7.3 :t 0.59 6.1 :t 0.3 S.N.C. S.N.C.
<7 .0; <7.0* <7 .0;
<380 <45*
Median 7.5 3.85 4.7 3.95 4.3 1.7 470
<7.0* <7.0* <7 .0;
<370 <45*
Range 5 - 8.5 1.7 - 5.8 3.1 - 4.8 3.3 - 7.3 2.4 - 6.1 <0 .08* - 1. 9 460-480
<7.0* - 22 <45* - 52 <7.0* - 62
<350 - <380 <45* - 820
*Wet weight
tAqueous portion of kidney
*In total sample
NA = Not analyzed
S.N.C. = Sample not collected
-------
TABLE E-1. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION IN BONES,
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1979
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 <0.013 <0.019 <1.9 1.2 :t 0.15 26
<3.3 <4.9 <480 3)0 :t 39
2 <0.023 <0.023 <2.2 1.7 :t 0.17 44
<10 <10 <960 750 :t 74
3 <0.005 <0.012 <4.7 4.1 :t 0.28 33
<1.6 < 3.9 <1 ,500 1,300 :t. 90
4 <0.006 <0.004 <3.3 2.5 :t 0.22 25
<1.5 <0.99 <820 600 :t 54
5 <0.002 <0.004 <2.4 1.04 :t 0.14 34
<0.68 <1.4 <800 350 :t 48
6 <0.014 <0.009 <4.2 2.4 :t 0.2 40
<5.6 < 3.6 <1,700 940 :t 80
7 <0.004 <0.006 <2.6 1.5 :t 0.17 37
<1.5 <2.2 <940 550 :t 62
8 <0.004 <0.007 <2.7 1.3 :t 0.16 50
<2.0 < 3.5 <1 , 3)0 640 :t 80
9 <0.002 <0.003 <2.7 1.2 :t 0.15 27
<0.54 <0.82 <730 310 :t 41
10 <0.003 <0.006 <2.0 0.72 :t 0.12 35
<1.1 <2.1 <690 250 :t 42
11 <0.005 <0.006 <2.3 1.02 :t 0.14 32
<1.6 <1.9 <750 33) :t 45
12 <0.008 <0.0 II <2.1 2.2 :t 0.21 34
<2.7 < 3.7 <720 740 :t 71
Median <0.005 <0.007 <2.5 1.4 34
<1.6 <2.9 <810 580
Range <0.002-<0.023 <0.003-<0.23 <1. 9-<4.7 0.72-4.1 25-50
<0.54-<10 <0.82-<10 <480-<1,700 250-1,3)0
*Wet weight
46
-------
TABLE E-2. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS
IN KIDNEYS, DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1979
Animal K 137CS 3H
Number (g/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) ( pC i /1 t)
1 4.6 :!: 0.28 13 :!: 11 <300
.I-
2 12 :!: 0.76 <7 .0* <300
3 5.0 :!: 0.42 <7 .0* <300
4 4.0 :!: 0.44 25 :!: 17 <300
5 4.3 :!: 0.47 34 :!: 17 <300
6 8.6 :!: 0.56 <7.ot <300
7 9.6 :!: 0.6 <7.0:1: <300
8 5.6 :!: 0.44 36 :!: 24 <300
9 7.1 :!: 0.66 <7 .0* <300
10 9.8 :t 0.92 <7 .0* <300
11 3.2 :!: 0.32 35 :t 15 <240
12 4.7 :!: 0.65 <7.0:1: <300
Medi an 5.3 <7.0:1: <300
Range 3.2-12 <7.0* - 36 <240 - <300
*Wet weight
tAqueous portion of kidney tissue
tIn total sample
47
-------
TARLE F-l. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1979
238pU 239pu
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Muscles
1 <0.031 <0.031 3.2
<0.99 <0.99
2 <0.025 0.07 :!: 0.033 5.6
<1.4 3.9 :!: 1.8
3 <0.015 0.033 :!: 0.013 2.7
<0.39 0.88 :!: 0.36
~1edi an <0.025 0.033 3.2
<0.99 <0.99
Range <0.015-<0.031 <0.031-0.07 2.7-5.6
<0.39-<1.4 0.88-3.9
Internal Organs
1 0.02 :!: 0.011 0.13 :!: 0.031 5.6
1.1 :!: 0.59 7.5 :!: 1. 7
2 <0.092 0.15 :!: 0.054 1.0
<0.88 1.4 :!: 0.52
3 <0.034 0.075 :!: 0.03 2.1
<0.72 1.6 :!: 0.64
Median <0.72 0.13 2.1
<0.88 1.6
Range 0.02-<0.88 0.075-0.15 1-5.6
<0.72-1.1 1.4-7.5
*Wet weight (continued)
48
-------
TABLE F-l. (Continued)
238 Pu 239 Pu
Animal ( pC i / g As h) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
G. I. Tract
1 0.055 :!: 0.042 0.2 :!: 0.089 6.4
3.5 :!: 2.7 13 :t: 5.7
2 0.36 :!: 0.14 11 :!: 2.0 2.3
8.3 :!: 3.1 250 :t: 47
3 0.13 :!: 0.039 0.83 :!: 0.14 2.5
3.3 :!: 0.95 20 :t: 3.4
Median 0.13 0.83 2.5
3.5 20
Range 0.055-0.36 0.2-11 2.3-6.4
3.3-8.3 13.250
Skin
1 <0.079 0.77 :t: 0.18 2.8
<2.2 22 :t: 5.0
2 0 .072 :t: 0.026 0.43 :t: 0.082 8.1
5.9 :t: 2.1 35 :!: 6.6
3 0.11 :t: 0.062 0.7 :!: 0.18 2.8
3.1 :!: 1. 7 20 :t: 5
Median <0.079 0.7 2.8
3.1 22
Range 0.072-0.11 0.43-0.77 2 . 8- 8 . 1
<2.2-5.9 20-35
*Wet weight
49
-------
TABLE F-2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES.
RABBITS. AR~A 18. NTS. 1979
238 Pu 239pU 89Sr 90Sr
An i ma 1 ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash
Number (pC i /kg*) (pC i / kg*) (pCi /kg*) (pCi /kg*) (%)
1 <0.012 <0.01 <0 . 16 0.55:!: 0.21 23
<2.8 <2.3 <37 130 :t 50
2 <0.008 <0.008 <0.14 0.88:t 0.26 24
<1.9 <1.9 <33 210 :t 60
3 <0.007 <0.015 <0.12 2.4 :!: 0.3 16
<1.2 <2.5 <20 390 :!: 50
Median <0.008 <0.015 <0 . 14 0.88 23
<1.9 <2.3 <33 210
Range <0.007-<0.012 <0.008-<0.015 <0.12-<0.16 0.55-2.4 16-24
<1.2-<2.8 <1.9-<2.5 <20-<37 130-390
TABLE F-3. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENT~ATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES. RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1979
Animal
Number
Muscles
K(g/kg*)
137Cs(pCi/kg*)
3 H ( pC i /1 t )
Internal Organs
G.I. Tract
Skin
K(g/kg*)
137CS(pCi/kg)
2
3
Median
Range
1 ,
9.0 :t
<]=1=
<350
6.6:t 0.32
25 :!: 12
<350
0.73
K (g/kg*)
K(g/kg*)
137 Cs ( pC i / k g*)
15 :t 1.4
<7 .0*
9.9:t 0.92
110 :t 49
6.1:t 1.1
<7 .0*
9.9
<7.0*
6.1 - 15
<7.0+-110
4.5:t 0.36
34 :t 14
<350
6.6
25
<350
4.5 - 9
<7+ - 34
<350 -<350
* Wet weight
6.6:t 0.42
5.2:t 0.39
59 :t 14
6.5:t 0.51
8.1:t 0.81
190 :!: 43
19
:!: 16
4.5:t 0.35
46 :t 19
6.6
5.2
59
6.5 - 19
4.5 - 8.1
46 -190
t Aqueous portion of muscle
50
+ In total sample
-------
TARLE G-l. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS,
AREA 15, NTS, 1979
23 8pU 23 9pU
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kq*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Muscles
1 <0.031 0.096 :t 0.042 2.7
<0.84 2.6 :t 1.1
2 <0.074 0.087 :t 0.05 1.5
<1.1 1.3 :t 0.81
3 <0.018 0.10 :t 0.03 3.2
<0.57 3.2 :t 1.0
Median <0.031 0.096 2.7
<0.84 2.6
Range <0.018-<0.074 0.087-0.1 1.5-3.2
<0.57-<1.1 1.3-3.2
G. I. Tract
1 0.17 :t 0.034 6.9 :t 0.85 3.2
5.2 :t 1.1 220 :t 27
2 0.066 :t 0.025 1.04 :t 0.19 5.5
3.6 :t 1.4 57 :t 10
3 0.11 :t 0.03 4.8 :t 0.64 4.8
5.6 :t 1.4 230 :t 31
Median 0.11 6.9 4.8
5.2 220
Range 0.066-0.17 4.8-1.04 3.2-5.5
3.6- 5.6 57-230
(continued)
51
-------
TABLE G-1. (Continued)
238pU 239pu
An i ma 1 ( pC i / g As h) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Internal Organs
1 <0.018 0.13 :t 0.036 4.5
<0.8 5.9 :t 1.6
2 <0.18 0.48 :t 0.2 1.4
<2.5 6.9 :t 2.9
3 <0.14 0.35:t 0.15 1.0
<1.5 3.6 :t 1.5
Median <0.14 0.35 1.4
<1.5 5.9
Range <0.018-<0.18 0.13-0.48 1.0-4.5
<0.8-<2.5 3.6-6.9
Skin
1 0.27 :t 0.093 9.1 :t 2.0 8.2
22 :t 7.7 750 :t 170
2 0.57 :t 0.34 6.0 :t 1.5 1.5
8.7 :t 5.3 92 :t 23
3 0.18 :t 0.05 8.4 :t 1.3 7.8
14 :t 3.6 660 :t 98
Median 0.27 8.4 7.8
14 660
Range 0.18-0.57 6-9.1 1.5-8.2
8.7-22 92-750
* Wet weight
52
-------
TABLE G-2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES, RABBITS,
AREA 15, NTS, 1979
238pu 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
Animal (pCi/g Ash) ( pC i / 9 As h) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash
Number (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / k g*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
1 <0.016 <0.011 <0.07 0.32 :t 0.1 18
<2.9 <2.0 <13 58 :t 18
2 <0.01 0.11 :t 0.023 <0.31 2.2 :t 0.4 16
<1.6 17 :t 3.6 <49 350 :t 60
3 0.006 :t 0.005 0 .011 :t 0.006 <0.12 3.0 :t 0.3 16
0.97 :t 0.81 1.8 :t 0~97 <19 490 :t 50
Median <0.01 0.011 <0.12 2.2 16
<1.6 <2.0 <19 350
Range 0.006-<0.016 <0.011-0.11 <0.07-<0.31 0.32-3.0 16-18
0.97-<2.9 1.8-17 <13-<49 58-490
* Wet weight
53
-------
TABLE G-3. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS
IN SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS, AREA 15. NTS, 1979
Muscles
K(g/kg*) Internal G. 1. Tract Skin
An i ma 1 137 Cs ( pC i / k g*) 0 r ga n s K(fk9*) K ( g/ k g*)
Number 3H(pCi/1**) K(g/kg*) 137CS pCi /kg*) 137CS(pCi/kg*)
1 6.5 :t 0.32 4.6 :to.44 4.5 :t 0.21 8.4 :t 0.86
46 :t 14 150 :t 13 260 :t 58
3,900 :t 260
2 8.3 :t 0.43 6.9 :t 1.3 5 . 9 :t 0.28 31 :t 3.8
59 :t 21 60 :t 12 29U :t 23
1,300 :t 230
3 2.8 :t 0.18 4.0 :t 0.54 4.7 :t 0.23 10 :t 0.68
16 :t 8.3 65 :t 12 320 :t 37
770 :t 240
Median 6.5 4.6 4.7 10
46 65 290
1,300
Range 2.8 - 8.3 4.0 - 6.9 4.5 - 5.9 8.4 - 31
16 - 59 60 - 150 260 - 320
770 - 3,900
*Wet weight
**Aqueous portion of muscl e
54
-------
TABLE H-l. PLUTONIUM, STRONTIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, NTS HORSE, 1979
238pu 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
Tissue ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash K(g/kg*)
Type ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC i / k g* ) ( pC i / k g*) (%) 13 7 C S ( pC i / k g* )
Bone <0.009 <0.006 <4.2 3.6 1: 0.24 23 NA
<2.1 <1.4 <970 820 1: 56
Mu sc 1 e <0.11 <0.13 NA NA 0.7 6.3 1: 0.29
<0.75 <0.92 58 1: 13
Live r <0.18 <0.25 NA NA 0.2 4.8 1: 0.78
<0.38 <0.53 33 1: 11
Lung <0.061 <0.05 NA NA 1.0 4.9 1: 0.5
<0.63 <0 . 51 40 1: 21
Kid n ey NA NA NA NA NA 2.9 1: 0.27
40 1: 12
* = Wet weight
NA = Not Analyzed
55
-------
TABLE I -1. PLUTONIUM, STRONTIUM, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, NTS COYOTE, 1979
238pu 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
Tissue ( pC i I 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash K (g/ k g*)
Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / kg * ) ( pC i / k g*) (%) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 3 H ( pC i / 1 t)
Bone <0.5 <0.3 <11 4.9 :t 0.33 22 liA NA
<1.1 <0 . 65 <2,400 1,100 :t 70
Muse 1 e <0 . 0 1 <0.005 NA NA 4.1 5.8 :t 0.45 NA
<0.41 <0.2 6.9 :t 10
Liver <0 .011 0.008 :t 0.006 NA NA 6.3 4.1:t 0.45 NA
<0.69 0.5 :t 0.38 41 :t 24 riA
Lung 0.009 :t 0.006 0.032:t 0.013 NA NA 2.6 9 :t 0.92 liA
U1 0.24 :t 0.16 0.85 :t 0.34 2.6 <7.0*
0"1
Stomach <0.004 <0.009 NA NA 7.5 3.~:t 2.0 NA
Contents <0.3 <0.67 120 :t 110 NA
Kidney NA NA NA NA NA 5.2:t 1.2 1,900 :t 310
<7.0*
* = Wet weight
t = From aqueous portion of kidney
* = In total sample
NA = Not Analyzed
-------
TABLE J-1. PLUTONIUM~ STRONTIUM~ TRITIUM~ AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES~ NTS BOBCAT~ 1979
238pU 239 Pu 89Sr 90Sr
Tissue ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash K(g/kg*)
Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi /kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 3H(pCi/l**)
Bone <0.009 <0.011 <5.1 2.3 :t 0.27 28 NA NA
<2.6 <3.1 <1 ~ 500 650 :t 77
Muscle <0 .039 <0.035 NA NA 3.6 11 :t 0.64 NA
(J1 <1.4 <1.3 200 :t 34
.......
Liver <0.015 <0.014 NA NA 4.1 4.1 :t 0.33 NA
<0.63 <0.56 67 :t 18
Lung <0 . 13 0.19 :t 0.087 NA NA 0.4 3.3 :t 0.58 NA
<0.54 0.81 :t 0.37 170 :t 46
Kid n ey NA NA NA NA NA 5.2 :t 1.4 <350
130 :t 59
* = Wet weight
** = From aqueous portion of kidney
NA = Not Analyzed
-------
TABLE K-1. PLUTONIUM, STRONTIUM, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, NTS CHUKARS, 1979
Animal No. 238pu 239pu 89Sr 90 Sr
and ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash K ( g/ k g*)
Ti ssue Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) ( pC i / kg *) (pCi/kg*) (%) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 3 H ( pC i / 1 t)
1 <0.01 <0.019 <5.2 1. 7 :t O. 29 9.6 NA NA
Bone <0.96
-------
TABLE K-1. (Continued)
Animal No. 238pU 239pu 89Sr 90Sr
and (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) Ash K(g/kg*)
Tissue Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%) 137CS(pCi/kg*) 3H( pCi /1 t)
1 0.34 :!: 0.16 0.96 :!: 0.3 NA NA 2.6 15 :!: 1.1 NA
G.I. Tract 9.0 :!: 4.1 25 :!: 7.8 <7.0*
U1 2 <0.46 <0.69 NA NA 0.8 21 :!: 1.3 NA
\!) G.I. Tract <3.4 <5.6 190 :!: 36
3 0.016 :!: 0.008 0.018:!: 0.008 NA NA 5.7 8.9 :!: 0.62 NA
G.I. Tract 0.91 :!: 0.45 1.0 :!: 0.48 <7.0*
* = Wet weight
t = From aqueous portion of muscle
* = In total sample
NA = Not analyzed
-------
TABLE L-1. PLUTONIUM, STRONTIUM, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE
CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES, NTS, EAGLES, 1979
Animal No. 238 Pu 239 Pu 89Sr 90Sr
and ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h ) ( pC; / 9 As h ) ( pC i / 9 As h) Ash K (g/ k g*)
Ti ssue Type (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi /kg*) (%) 137Cs(pCi/kg*) 3 H ( pC i / 1t )
1 <0.003 <0.003 <4.0 3.1 :t 0.19 22 NA HA
Bone <0 .65 <0.65 <875 670 :t 41
2 <0 . 003 <0.003 <6 2.6 :t 0.11 23 NA NA
Bone <0.69 <0.69 <1,400 590 :t 25
1 <0.005 <0 . 01 NA NA 7 3.8 :t 0.14 1,200 :t 290
Mu sc 1 e <0.35 <0 . 71 <7.0*
2 <0 .002 <0.002 NA NA 5.3 4.2 :t 0.33 840 :t 120
Muscle <0 . 11 <0 . 11 53 :t 16
0'1
a
1
Internal <0.007 0.031 :t 0.012 NA NA 6.7 6.9 :t 0.53 NA
Organs <0 .47 21 :t 0.8 <7.0*
2
I nterna 1 <0.041 0.17 :t 0.072 NA NA 2.5 7 :t 0.29 NA
Organs <1.0 4.2 :t 1.8 <7 . 0:1=
1
Stomach <0.026 <0.026 NA NA 2.8 5.9 :t 0.76 NA
Contents <0 .74 <0.74 110 :t 55
2
Stomach <0.009 <0.009 NA NA 3.9 5.3 :t 0.77
Contents <0.35 <0.35 62 :t 32 NA
* = Wet weight
t = Aqueous portion of muscle
NA = Not analyzed
+ = In total sample
-------
APPENDIX M.
GROSS* AND MICROSCOP IC PATHOLOGY t FOUND IN
NECROPSIED ANIMALS, 1979
AREA 18 CATTLE, MAY
1
Necropsy findings: Animal showed posterior paralysis and had recently given
birth. No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings: The liver shows diffuse but mild fatty change in
the hepatocytes. The spleen shows no significant lesions. The kidney
exhibits mild chronic inflammatory changes in the pelvis characterized by
infiltration of a few mononuclear cells and mild fibrosis. No significant
lesions are seen in the lung. The adrenal shows no significant lesions. The
muscle, heart, and eye show no significant lesions. No important pathologic
findings were noticed in any of these tissues.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal heifer with obturator paralysis from dystocia.
2
Necropsy findings: The lungs were emphysematous from agonal struggling.
Abdominal cavity contained several hundred milliliters of serum.
Histopathological findings: Moderate hemosiderosis of the spleen. A small
number of mineralized tubules are found in the kidney. These are incidental
findings.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal, aged Hereford steer in excellent condition.
3
Necropsy findings: Lungs are emphysematous with atelectic areas in the apical
lobes. These lesions are most probably the result of agonal struggling. The
*As reported by senior author.
tAs reported by Dr- B~llY ~. Ward, Co~lege of Veterinary Medicine, Drawer V,
Mississippi" State Unlverslty, Starkvllle, Mississippi.
61
-------
rumen contained a mass 16 centimeters in diameter that is made up of entangled
1/2" nylon rope.
Histopathological findings: Moderate hemosiderosis of the spleen. Skeletal
muscle shows minimal focal subacute nonsuppurative myositis. This probably
represents an incidental finding resulting from mild inflammatory lesion of a
muscle fiber.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal aged Hereford steer in excellent condition.
4
Necropsy findings: Precancerous plaques at corneal-sclera junction of medial
canthus of both eyes.
Histopathological findings: The lungs show some thickening of alveoli with
hyperplasia of the smooth muscle and peribronchial lymphoid infiltration is
observed. The kidneys exhibit mild interstitial fibrosis occurring in a focal
pattern primarily in medulla and pelvis. A few desclimated epithelial cells
are seen in the collecting ducts. Liver shows mild fatty changes primarily
located in the central lobular area. There is hyperplasia and excessive
keratinization forming an epithelial plaque at the corneal-scleral junction of
the eye. This lesion is undermined by lymphocytic cells. This lesion
possibly represents a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. The epithelial
plaque noted in the cornea is a lesion worthy of note in this study.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal aged Hereford cow.
5
Necropsy findings:
No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings:
numerous interstitial cells.
yet producing mature sperm.
No significant lesions noted. The testicle has
The seminiferous tubules are adequate but not
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal bull calf.
6
Necropsy findings:
No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings: There is lymphoid infiltrate beneath the cornea
near corneal conjunctival junction of the eye. Mild to moderate hemosiderin
pigment is located in the red pulp of the spleen. The liver shows diffuse,
mild fatty changes involving primarily, but not exclusively, the central
lobular areas.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal mature steer in excellent condition
62
-------
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER
1
Necropsy findings: Trauma associated with bullet passage through the lungs.
No other gross lesions noted. Ticks were found in the axillary region.
Histopathological findings: The testicle shows no evidence of
spermatogenesis. Interstitial cells are sparse and the few that are present
contain some vecuolar degenerative changes. Comments: This probably
represents a normal deer testicle, in the inactive state. Several large
sarocysts are observed in the skeletal muscle.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal mature male deer.
2
Necropsy findings: Extensive trauma associated with contact with rapidly
moving vehicle. These include fractures of the left rib cage and of the right
humerus. The liver was fragmented and the rumen had ruptured releasing its
contents throughout the abdominal cavity. The lungs showed evidence of agonal
struggling. Advanced postmorten changes precluded sampling for
histopathological examination.
Clinical diagnosis:
vehicle.
Normal mature male deer that died in collision with motor
3
Necropsy findings: Not necropsied as hind quarters and most internal organs
consumed by predators. Samples not collected for histopathological or
hematological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis:
vehicle.
Mature doe that was killed in collision with motor
4
Necropsy findings:
of bullet passage.
Histopathological findings: The eye exhibits lymp~ocyt~c in~iltr~tion,
forming a small nodular pattern at the corneal-conJunctlval Junctlon. The
lungs show moderate focal hyperinflation. There is mild colloid depletion of
the thyroid.
No gross lesions noted except those associated with trauma
63
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Clinical diagnosis:
Normal immature doe.
5
NEVADA TEST SITE HO~SE
Animal died five days after being struck by motor vehicle. Was not necropsied
but lesions of pneumonia were noted by dissector along with signs of
pleuritis. Samples not collected for histopathological or hematological
examination.
Clinical diagnosis:
captivity.
Pneumonia brought on by stress associated with trauma and
NEVADA TEST SITE BOBCAT
Necropsy findings:
present.
No gross lesions noted.
Advanced postmortem changes
Histopathological findings: Lungs congested and edematous, other tissues
exhibit postmortem autolysis.
Clinical diagnosis:
Normal adult bobcat that was apparently electrocuted.
NEVADA TEST SITE COYOTE
Necropsy findings: Included those associated with the trauma of being struck
by a motor vehicle and being shot. The spine was fractured in the lumbar
region and the skull and brain was extensively traumatized from bullet
passage. Shallow, partially healed dermal ulcers were noted along the rear
toes and medial surface of the thigh.
Histopathological findings:
No significant lesions observed.
Clinical diagnosis:
Immature female coyote whose death was caused by trauma.
NEVADA TEST SITE EAGLES 1 & 2
Both birds were electrocuted by shortcircuiting a substation at the NRDS.
They were not necropsied and no lesions were noted during sample collection.
Samples were not collected for histopathological or hematological examination.
Both were apparently normal at time of death.
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBITS AND CHUKAR
All of thes~ animals were collected by shotgun fire. All were placed in a
freezer until necropsied. No gross lesions were noted. All were apparently
64
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normal at time of death. Samples for histopathological or hematological
examinations were not collected.
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
All of these animals were mature males that were killed by licensed hunters.
No necropsies were performed but all were apparently normal at time of death.
No samples were collected for histopathological or hematological examinations.
65
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO. 12. 3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
EPA-600j3-81-035
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. REPORT DATE
ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM 1979 ANNUAL REPORT: Mav 1981
Nevada Test Site and Vicinity 6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S) B. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
D. D. Smit h, K. R. Giles, and D. E. Bernhardt
9. PERFOil:MING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
Env'j ro,'lffiental Monitoring Systems Laboratory X6EH10
Office of Research and Development 11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency MOU
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114 DE-A108-76DP00539
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS 13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
U.S. Department of Energy Rpc:n()nc:e - 1979
Nevada Operations Office 14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
P.O. Box 14100
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Performed under Memorandum of Understanding DE-A108-76DP00539
for the U.S. Department of Energy
16. ABSTRACT
Data are presented from the radioanalyses of tissues collected from animals that
resided on or near the Nevada Test Site (NTS). Gamma-emitting radionuclides were
detected infrequently. Strontium-90 concentrations in bones were lower than those of
recent years. Tritium and plutonium levels varied little from previous years.
Radionuclide tissue concentrations were generally higher in animals from Area 15 than
in similar animals from other NTS areas.
The highest postulated annual dose estimate to man was 2.6 millirems to bone based
on the daily consumption of 0.5 kg of deer liver containing peak levels of
plutonium-238. This dose is about 0.5 percent of the 500 mi11irems per year radiation
protection guide for individuals in the general population. Postulated doses for other
radionuclides are about 0.3 percent or less of the standard.
The movements of 25 mule deer outfitted with collars containing a radio
transmitter unit were monitored weekly. During the winter all deer left their summer
range on the NTS. The deer dispersed over the widest areas observed since 1975. A
deer captured in December 1979 was observed 7 months later in the Barley Creek area of
Nye County which is approximately 160 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.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANAL YSIS
a. DESCRiPTORS b.!DENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS c. COSATI Field/Group
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT 19. SECURITY CLASS (Tllis Report) 21. NO. OF PAGES
IINrl li""TPi="n 7/l
~ELEASE TO PUBLIC 20. SECURITY CLASS (This page) 22. PRICE
IIM,..I 1IC'C'Tt:'Tt:'n
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77)
PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOL.ETE
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