NERC-LV-539-10 NERC-LV-539-10
REPORT OF ANIMAL. INVESTIGATION PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
FOR THE BANEBERRY EVENT
by
D. D. Smith, S. C. Black ^
K. R. Giles, and A. A. Moghissi
Farm and Animal Investigation Branch
Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Las Vegas, Novnda 89'I14
November "1.975
This research was performed as a pavi; of the Animal Investigation Program
under a Memorandum of Understanding No. AT(26-l)-539
for the
U.S. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
**Dr. Black, Science Advisor5 Immediate Office, Director, EMSL-LV
Dr. Moghissi, Visiting Professor, Of fieri of interdisciplinary Programs,
Environmental Resources Center, 205 ROD-, Civil Engineering Building,
Atlanta, Georgia 3033?
-------
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nor any of their employees, nor any of their contractors, sub-
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-------
NERC-LV-539-10 NERC-LV-539-10
REPORT OF ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
FOR THE BANEBERRY EVENT
D. D. Smith, S. C. Black **
K. R. Giles, and A. A. Moghissi
Farm and Animal Investigation Branch
Monitoring Systems Research and Development Division
Environmental Monitoring and Suoport Laboratory
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
November 1975
This research was performed as a part of the Animal Investigation Program
under a Memorandum of Understanding No. AT(26-l)-539
for the
U.S. ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
*
**Dr. Black, Science Advisor, Immediate Office, Director, EMSL-LV
Dr. Moghissi, Visiting Professor, Office of Interdisciplinary Programs,
Environmental Resources Center, 205 EOD, Civil Engineering Building,
Atlanta, Georgia 30332
-------
Effective June 29, 1975, the National Environmental Research Center-
Las Vegas (NERC-LV) was designated the Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory-Las Vegas (EMSL-LV). This Laboratory is one of
three Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratories of the Office
of Monitoring and Technical Support in the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development.
-------
ABSTRACT
On December 18, 1970, an underground nuclear test, conducted at the Nevada
Test Site, released radioactive materials into the atmosphere with resultant
on-site and off-site contamination. The Animal Investigation Program of the
National Environmental Research Center-Las Vegas developed studies to
document the distribution of fission and activation products in the tissue
of domestic and wild animals residing within contaminated areas on and
surrounding the Nevada Test Site. A study of radioiodine secretion in milk
from cows at the experimental dairy farm, including urine and fecal
excretion from four of them, was started about 24 hours after the venting.
A grazing intake study, which utilized fistulated steers, was also carried
out. The analytical data collected from these studies are presented in
this report.
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors wish to express their appreciation to H. Hop, J. Coogan,
E. Daley, and C. Feldt for their assistance in sample collection and
to K. Brown for performing the botanical analysis of the rumen contents.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS .
Page
ABSTRACT i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES iv
INTRODUCTION 1
AREA 15 DAIRY FARM STUDY 7
SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES 9
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 12
Nevada Test Site Studies 12
Off-Site Studies 27
HISTOPATHOLOGY 33
FISTULATED STEER STUDY ON THE NEVADA TEST SITE 34
INVESTIGATIONS 41
Garrison, Utah, Sheep Investigation 41
Investigation of Alleged Radiation Sicknesses -
Ursine, Nevada 41
REFERENCES 43
APPENDICES 44
DISTRIBUTION
-------
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
TABLE Page
1. Vital Statistics of Animals Collected Subsequent
to Baneberry Event 3
2. Dairy Cow Groups for Radioiodine Studies 7
3. Analytical Data - Area 15 Farm Calves (pCi/kg) 13
4. Plutonium and Radiostrontium Data - Area 15 Calves 16
5. Analytical Data - Area 15 Farm Cottontails (pCi/g) 18
6. Weighted Average Radioiodine Concentrations, Intake,
and Output for Group 1 "Metabolism" Cows -
nCi/liter or kilogram 20
131
7. Weighted Average I Concentrations in Milk and Hay
Groups 2 and 3 - nCi/liter or kilogram 21
I 01 -3
8. Integrated 'I Concentration in Air (yCi-sec/m ) 26
9. Analytical Data - Sunnyside Rabbits (pCi/kg) 28
10. Analytical Data - Tonopah Test Range Cattle 29
11. Analytical Data - Kawich Valley Cattle 31
12. Analytical Data - Coal Valley Sheep 32
13. Tritium Levels - Fistulated Steers (pCi/ml of Free Water) 35
14. Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Plutonium Levels
in Rumen Contents 37
15. Botanical Analysis of Rumen Contents of Bovine
Grazing White Rock Spring Area 39
FIGURES
1. Biological Sampling Locations - Baneberry Event 6
131
2. Weighted Average Milk Concentrations of I from
the Three Groups of Cows 23
3. Weighted Average Values for Group 1 "Metabolism" Cows 24
iv
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INTRODUCTION
The Baneberry Event was an underground nuclear test conducted in Area 8
of the Nevada Test Site. Shortly after detonation at 0730 hours
PST on December 18, 1970, radioactive materials escaped into the atmosphere
from a fissure near ground zero. Winds carried the effluent beyond the
boundaries of the Nevada Test Site.
During the next several weeks, the radiological monitoring program
conducted by the National Environmental Research Center, Las Vegas (NERC-LV)
indicated the presence of radioactivity in environmental media collected over a
widespread area throughout the Western United States. Data collected
indicated that the deposition pattern encompassed about 270 degrees,
from southwest through north to southeast of ground zero, with the line
of maximum deposition initially extending almost due north. '
Following notification of the venting, ad hoc studies were initiated
to document the distribution of fission and activation products in the
tissues of domestic and wild animals residing within areas on and
surrounding the Nevada Test Site. This report presents the analytical
data collected during these studies.
The ad hoc studies were designed to provide data on the tissue distri-
bution of radionuclides inhaled and/or ingested by animals at varying
distances and azimuths from ground zero. These animals were sacrificed
at different time intervals following their original exposure.
-------
The initial portion of the study was conducted immediately following the
event using animals from the Area 15 dairy farm which was located approxi-
mately four miles from ground zero.
For the second portion of the studies, tissue samples were collected from
domestic and wild animals that lived in the fallout zone at varying distances
from ground zero. These animals were sampled from 12 through 62 days
following the detonation. The vital statistics and geographic location
of each sampled animal are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.
The third phase of the studies utilized fistulated steers that grazed
contaminated range within three miles of ground zero. Rumen samples were
collected from the animals during the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th months
following detonation.
An investigation of injury and death in grazing sheep allegedly resulting
(2)
from the Baneberry Event was reported previously. ' Also investigated was
alleged radiation sickness in domestic animals residing on a farmstead
near Ursine, Nevada.
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Table 1. Vital Statistics of Animals Collected Subsequent to Baneberry Event
Species Date
and No. Mo. /Day
Cotton-
tail-!
Cotton-
tail -2
Cotton-
tail -3
Calf
No. 1
Calf
No. 2
Rabbi t-
1-L
Rabbi t-
2-L
Duck-l-L
Bovine-
12/20
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/22
12/30
12/30
12/30
12/30
Sex
F
F
F
F
F
M
M
F
F
Age
Yrs.
Adult
Adult
Adult
0.25
0.20
Adult
Adult
Adult
1.5
Azimuth
Wt. and Distance
kg. (miles) from GZ Remarks
0.72
0.80
0.76
160
95
Unk
Unk
Unk
Unk
60° 4
60° 4
60° 4
60° 4
60° 4
34° 110
37° 100
34° 110
242° 50
Live trapped near Area
15 Farm haystack, NTS.
Live trapped near Area
15 Farm haystack, NTS.
Live trapped near Area
15 Farm haystack, NTS.
Hoi stein maintained at
Area 15 Farm, NTS until
day of death.
Holstein maintained at
Area 15 Farm, NTS until
day of death.
Hunter kill at Sunnyside
Nevada .
Hunter kill 10 miles sou
of Sunnyside, Nevada.
Hunter kill at Sunnyside
Nevada. Ruddy duck.
Animal died from malnutr
3-f
Bovine-26 1/4
Bovine- 1/5
1-N
Bovine- 1/5
2-N
F 11 735
M 0.8 200
F 3.5 330
175° 15
326° 72
326° 72
tion, 15 miles south of
Beatty, Nevada.
Dairy cow maintained at
Well 3, NTS until death.
Purchased 1.5 miles east of
main gate, Tonopah Test .
Range.
Purchased 1.5 miles east of
main gate, Tonopah Test
Range. Uterus contained a
fetus.
-------
Table 1. Vital Statistics of Animals Collected Subsequent to Baneberry Event
(contd)
Azimuth
and Distance
(miles) from GZ
Species Date Age Wt.
and No. Mo./Day Sex Yrs. kg.
Remarks
Coyote- 1/4 M Adult 16
1-N
Bovine- 1/8 M 1.5 290
1-1
Bovine- 1/8 M 2.0 290
2-L
Sheep-1 1/22
Sheep
1-L
2/2
Adult Unk
5-6 69
Sheep- 2/2 F 5-6 65
2-L
Chicken- 2/18 F Adult 1.5
1-L
Chicken- 2/18 M Adult 2.0
2-L
326° 72
332° 20
332° 20
47° 200
30° 90
30° 90
63° 125
63° 125
Hunter kill. Animal in
poor flesh. One and
one-half miles west of
main gate, Tonopah Test
Range.
Purchased from north end
of dry lake bed, Kawich
Valley, Originated from
Del Rio, Texas and had
been on range 3-6 months.
Purchased from north end
of dry lake bed, Kawich
Valley. Originated from
Del Rio, Texas and had
been on range 3-6 months.
Columbia ewe died from
eating halogeton, 18
miles southeast of
Garrison, Utah.
Purchased from east side
of Coal Valley, 30 miles
east of Adaven, Nevada.
Aged ewe in good condition.
Rabouillet-Columbia cross.
Purchased from east side
of Coal Valley, 30 miles
east of Adaven, Nevada.
Aged ewe in poor condition.
Rabouillet-Columbia cross.
Mature chicken. Ten miles
northeast of Ursine, Nevada.
Mature chicken. Ten miles
northeast of Ursine, Nevada.
Sent to Nevada Animal Disease|
Laboratory.
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Table 1. Vital Statistics of Animals Collected Subsequent to Baneberry Event
(contd)
Species Date Age Wt.
and No. Mo./Day Sex Yrs. kg.
Azimuth
and Distance
(miles) from GZ
Remarks
Rabbit-
3-L
2/18
M Adult 5.4
63° 125
Domestic rabbit. Ten
miles northeast of
Ursine, Nevada.
-------
GARRISON
UTAH
SHEEP
RANGE
CATTLE & COYOTE
AREA IS FARM
•"•""I CATTLE"
SURFACE
GROUND ZERO
r&MARGOSA VALLEY
CATTLE
SCALE IN KILOMETRES
SCALE IN MILES
Figure 1. Biological Sampling Locations - Baneberry Event
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AREA 15 DAIRY FARM STUDY
As mentioned previously, the Environmental Protection Agency experimental
dairy farm at Area 15 was located approximately four miles northeast of
the ground zero. The eastern edge of the effluent cloud passed over the
farm immediately after detonation. At reentry, 36 hours post-event,
three-foot beta-gamma readings, taken with a portable survey instrument
p
(35 mg/cm window), exceeded 5 mR/h. Among the dairy animals exposed to
the effluent cloud were mature lactating Hoi stein cows and replacement
Hoi stein heifer calves.
Ten of the lactating cows were selected for radioiodine studies. They were
divided into three groups as shown in Table 2 to document the relative
importance of inhalation vis-a-vis ingestion in the transfer of radioiodine
to milk.
Table 2. Dairy Cow Groups for Radioiodine Studies
Group Cow Nos. Exposure Treatment
116, 45,InhalationPlaced in metabolism stalls.Fed con-
46, 126 plus ingestion taminated hay twice daily for 11 feed-
ings. Milk, urine, and feces collected,
2 13, 87, Inhalation Kept at dairy farm. Fed hay from the
127, 134 Well 3 facility. Milk collected.
3 11, 119 Inhalation Kept at dairy farm. Fed contaminated
plus ingestion hay. Milk collected.
The Group 1 cows were moved to the metabolism stalls at Well 3 after the
a.m. milking on December 19 and returned to individual pens at the Area 15
-------
farm after the a.m. milking on December 24. The cows of the other two
groups were placed in individual pens at the farm for the duration of
the study.
The Group 1 cows were fed contaminated hay from the Area 15 farm twice
daily. An attempt was made to feed that hay which gave the highest
reading on a survey mater, but the overall contamination at the farm
negated that procedure. The hay was chopped, placed in plastic feeding
tubs, weighed, sampled, and fed. The residue after feeding was weighed
to estimate the total amount ingested by each animal. The Group 2 cows
were fed hay obtained from the Well 3 facility using the same procedure
as for Group 1 cows except that the hay was not chopped. This hay was
assumed to be uncontaminated, however, analytical results showed other-
wise. In this report, hay fed to the Group 2 cows is referred to as
"uncontaminated." The Group 3 cows were fed contaminated hay from the
farm using the same procedure as for the Group 2 animals. Approximately
10 kg of hay was offered to each animal twice daily.
8
-------
SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
For the dairy farm study, milk was collected from each cow at each milking
in individual milk buckets and the total volume measured. Three and one-half
liters from each milking was transferred to Marinelli beakers for gamma
spectroscopy. For the four metabolism cows, urine was collected in 20-liter
plastic jugs by use of an indwelling bladder catheter, and feces were col-
lected in plastic-lined pans appropriately placed in the metabolism stalls.
The total amount of urine and feces was measured at the time of milking and
formaldehyde added as a preservative. The fecal collection from each cow
was mixed thoroughly and three aliquots, 400 ml each, were taken for count-
ing. The urine samples were also thoroughly mixed and 400-ml aliquots
taken from each sample for counting. After the Group 1 cows were returned
to individual pens at the dairy farm, aliquots of freshly voided urine
and feces were collected at each morning milking until January 2, 1971.
Hay samples from each cow or cow group were placed in small plastic bags
which were then compressed into 400-ml containers for gamma spectroscopy.
These samples varied in weight from 65 to approximately 100 grams.
Unless otherwise noted, each animal sampled for tissue distribution studies
was sacrificed by shooting. Immediately after death each animal was
necropsied and all pathological conditions were noted. The adrenals, eyes,
heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscle, spleen, thyroid, and gonads of each
animal were sampled and tissue sections were prepared for pathological
evaluation.
-------
Tissues collected for radioanalysis included rumen contents, liver,
lungs, muscle, thyroid, blood or urine, kidney, fetus, if present, and
bone. The soft tissue and rumen contents were analyzed by gamma spectroscopy.
Urine or blood samples were analyzed for tritium. Bone was analyzed for
89 Qn ?3Q 9^Q
Sr, uSr, and Pu. Selected soft tissues were also analyzed for Pu
content.
The soft tissues of sufficient volume and rumen contents were prepared for
gamma analysis by grinding and placing in 1000-ml polyethylene Marinelli
beakers. Those of smaller volume, i.e., thyroid, kidneys, etc., were
prepared for analysis by macerating in a blender and then suspended in
agar in a 400-ml container. The samples were then counted either 40 or 100
minutes on a 4-inch by 4-inch Nal(Tl) crystal connected to a 400-channel
pulse height analyzer calibrated at 10 keV/channel .
89 90 239
Tissues for Sr, Sr, and Pu were prepared by low temperature ashing.
An aliquot of animal tissue was dissolved and the plutonium was separated
by adsorbtion and selective elution from an anion exchange resin. ' The
plutonium was then electroplated^ ' and counted on a solid state alpha
OQC
spectrometer. The recovery efficiency was determined by use of Pu as an
internal standard. Other radionuclide analytical procedures used at the
(5)
National Environmental Research Center-Las Vegas were described previously.
In general, the counting errors associated with tritium analyses were
approximately 10%.
Three mature Hereford steers with permanent rumen fistulas were used
as biological samplers for the grazing study. At three-week intervals
10
-------
between May 14 and July 27, 1971, the animals were placed on the contaminated
range. Prior to placement on the range, each animal's rumen was emptied of
all ingesta^ ' and a blood sample was drawn from the jugular vein for back-
ground radionuclide analysis. After a 72-hour grazing period, the animals
were removed from the range and rumen samples collected for radionuclide
analysis and for botanical analysis. Drinking water and post-grazing blood
samples were also collected for radionuclide analysis.
Following collection, the botanical samples were frozen until analyzed.
Samples were prepared for botanical analysis by washing and screening a
random aliquot, which was then examined under a binocular microscope.
Individual species of browse, forbs, and grasses were identified by proce-
(7 8)
dures described elsewhere. ' ' After the species in the sample were
identified, a visual estimate was made of the fraction of each species in
the sample. All data reported are at the 95% confidence level and are
corrected to time of collection.
11
-------
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Nevada Test Site Studies
Inhalation was the major route of exposure for the calves during the first
36 hours post-event. During the next 60 hours, ingestion was the major
route of exposure as the calves ate contaminated hay and drank milk produced
by cows that were also exposed to the cloud. Two calves were sacrificed on
December 22, 1970, and sampled extensively. These samples were analyzed
for short-lived fission products on December 23, and after allowing time
for decay, were recounted on January 28, 1971. Analytical results are
reported in Table 3.
The highest levels of gamma-emitting radionuclides were detected on the
hair of the animals, indicating an exposure to direct particulate fallout.
The thyroids contained significant levels of I and I. The next high-
est levels were found in the intestinal contents. The activity in the
lungs was relatively low, with no detectable gamma-emitting radionuclides
reported on the January 28 recount. Tritium concentrations in the urine
of both calves were found to be 1.9 pCi/ml.
The results of plutonium and strontium analyses of lung and bone samples
from these calves are shown in Table 4.
It is of particular interest to compare the data of Tables 3 and 4. It can
be seen that levels of short-lived fission products in the two calves are
comparable. The I content in thyroids of the two animals was 0.73 and
0.78 nCi/g, respectively. Similar blood levels were also found for this
12
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Table 3. Analytical Data - Area 15 Farm Calves (pCi/kg)
Calf ,32
Tissue No. Te
Rumen
contents
Omasal
contents
Abomasal
contents
Small
intestine
contents
Large
intestine
contents
Urine
Parotid
salivary
gland
Rumen
tissue
Omasal
tissue
Abomasal
tissue
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
7xl04
1.7xl05
3x1 05
2.4xl05
7. IxlO4
1.4xl05
5.2xl03
2.6xl04
5x1 05
6.5xl05
5x1 03
4x1 03
2.3xl03
2.4xl03
5.6xl03
l.lxlO4
8.4xl03
8x1 03
3x1 03
7.3xl03
133j
4.8xl04
9.6xl04
2xl05
<40
7.4xl04
1.5xl05
7.2xl03
2.2xl04
2x1 05
4x1 05
l.lxlO4
6.7xl03
5.4xl03
2.4xl03
<40
6. IxlO3
6.3xl03
5.5xl03
8x1 03
l.lxlO4
131,
l.SxlO4
4.3xl04
8.5xl03
l.lxlO5
3.6xl04
8.8xl04
6.9xl03
1.3xl04
IxlO5
l.SxlO5
9.5xl03
5x1 03
1.9xl03
1.6xl03
2xl03
2.9xl03
2.9xl03
3x1 03
5. IxlO3
IxlO4
103Ru
7.7xl03
2. IxlO4
2.5xl04
5.4xl04
8.8xl03
2. IxlO4
280
3. IxlO3
3.8X104
8x1 04
<40
<40
40
<40
410
660
970
670
<40
1.2xl03
140Ba
680
3.7xl03
<40
2.3xl04
6.7xl03
1.3xl04
<40
<40
4x1 04
2.7xl04
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
141Ce
<200
<200
<200
1.2xl04
2.5xl03
4.3xl03
<200
<200
1.4xl04
l.lxlO4
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
3. IxlO2
13
-------
Table 3. Analytical Data - Area 15 Farm Calves (pCi/kg) (contd)
Calf ,32
Tissue No. Te
Small
intestine
tissue
Pancreas
Large
intestine
tissue
Kidney
Liver
Gall
bladder
with bile
Lung
Heart
Blood
Spleen
Tracheo-
bronchial
lymph
nodes
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
l.lxlO3
2.8xl03
<40
6x1 03
1.3xl04
8.3xl03
1.9xl04
1.7xl04
7.6xl03
8.3xl03
<40
<40
1.9xl03
2.4xl03
2.9xl03
2.6xl03
300
500
1.2xl03
IxlO3
1.5xl03
<40
133j
5.6xl02
2. IxlO3
<40
2.7xl03
5.6xl03
4.8xl03
2.6xl03
3.2xl03
1.5xl03
1.9xl03
<40
<40
1.6xl03
1.9xl03
500
1.2xl03
600
400
800
<40
<40
<40
131,
IxlO3
1.6xl03
l.lxlO3
2.2xl03
2.5xl03
2.2xl03
1.3xl03
1.8xl03
800
IxlO3
1.4xl03
1.3xl03
1.2xl03
1.4xl03
800
800
1.4xl03
1.5xl03
800
l.lxlO3
700
<40
103Ru
<40
<40
<40
<40
850
4.8xl03
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
140Ba
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
141Ce
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
14
-------
Table 3. Analytical Data - Area 15 Farm Calves (pCi/kg) (contd)
Tissue
Thyroid
Adrenal
Gonads
Muscle
Fat
Bone
shaft
Bone
marrow
Hair
Skin,
no hair
Calf
No.
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
132Te
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
700
600
700
1.4xl03
900
l.lxlO3
<40
1.7xl03
2.4xl06
1.6xl06
2.6xl03
3.8xl04
133j
1.3xl06
9.6xl05
<40
<40
<40
<40
5x1 02
500
400
<40
l.lxlO3
800
<40
800
2.1xl06
1.3xl06
5.6xl03
2.6xl04
131,
l.SxlO6
1.6xl06
<40
<40
<40
<40
3x1 02
300
160
<40
800
9.9xl03
800
IxlO3
8.9xl05
5.8xl05
2.6xl03
1.4xl04
103Ru
S A M P L
S A M P L
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
S.lxlO5
2.2xl05
<40
3.6xl03
140Ba
E
E
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
<40
9.7xl04
6.3xl04
<40
990
141Ce
LOST
LOST
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
<200
6.7xl03
4x1 03
<200
340
15
-------
Table 4. Plutonium and Radiostrontium Data - Area 15 Calves
Calf No. Tissue
1 Bone
Lung
2 Bone
Lung
Ash
(*)
36
NA
28
NA
Ca
mg/g ash
130
NA
100
NA
90Sr
pCi/kg wet
pCi/g ash
2100+500
6.0±1.0
NA
560±220
2.0±0.8
NA
238Pu
pCi/kg wet
pCi/g ash
<1.0
<0.003
<0.5
<0.003
<0.7
<0.003
0.6±0.5
0.05±0.04
23Q
"yPu
pCi/kg wet
pCi/g ash
<0.6
<0.002
<0.1
<0.01
1.9±0.7
0.007+0.003
<0.1
<0.01
NA = Not analyzed.
radionuclide, i.e., 1.4 and 1.5 nCi/kg. Using the concentration data from
Table 3, except for intestinal contents, and estimates of total organ
weights, it is estimated that the smaller Calf-2 had a body burden of
342 nCi of I while the larger one had a burden of 293 nCi. Although
occasional differences are found between these two animals, the concentra-
tion of radionuclides described in Table 3 seldom deviates by more than
90
a factor of 2. The Sr content of the bone ash between these two animals
239
deviates, however, by a factor of 3. The Pu levels indicate a reverse
239
relationship. Levels of Pu in bone from Calf-1 were below the detect-
239
able limits, while measurable levels of Pu were found in Calf-2. As
239
the bone concentration of Pu is significantly higher than the lung con-
239
centration, it can be presumed that Pu in this animal originated from a
long-term exposure or possibly as a result of placenta! transfer as this
animal was only two months old.
16
-------
The reason for these latter anomalies remains unknown. Both animals were
born and raised under presumably identical conditions. The exposure
histories of their dams are similar. Their exposure to Baneberry fallout
must have been similar, yet they indicate significant differences in
90 239
their Sr and Pu body burden. These facts demonstrate the necessity
of multi-animal experiments if generally applicable results are to be
expected.
During the nights of December 19 and 20, three desert cottontail rabbits,
(Sylvilagus auduboni), were live-trapped at the Area 15 dairy farm near
the haystack which furnished feed for both them and the dairy calves
described above. Vital statistics of the rabbits are reported in Table 1.
Rabbits Nos. 1 and 2 were sacrificed on December 20, 1970, and rabbit
No. 3 was sacrificed on December 21. Measurement with a portable survey
2
instrument (35 mg/cm window), set for beta-plus-gamma radiation, gave a
relative reading of 0.6 mR/h for rabbit No. 3 and 1.0 mR/h for rabbits
Nos. 1 and 2.
The analytical data from tissues of these rabbits are presented in Table 5.
Again the pelts and thyroids contained the highest burdens of fresh fission
products. The tritium levels in the free water of the tissues from the
three rabbits averaged 6.9±0.3 pCi/ml, 9.7±0.3 pCi/ml, and 9.3±3.0 pCi/ml,
respectively. It is of interest to compare these values with the tritium
concentration of 1.9 pCi/ml in the body water of the calves. The rabbits
and calves were presumably in the same vicinity of the Area 15 farm during
and subsequent to the venting. The four-fold difference in the tritium
17
-------
Table 5. Analytical Data - Area 15 Farm Cottontails (pCi/g)
Rabbit No. 1
Tissue
Stomach* 2
Intestines*
Kidney
Liver
Lung
132Te
•3
.4xlOJ
460
650
460
90
133j
0
3.0xlOJ
<40
67
30
100
131,
700
10
10
10
30
1
4
1
1
1
Rabbit No. 2
To
.7x10
.8x10
.6x10
.0x10
.3x10
t
•3
q
3
3
3
133,
•3
2.3xlOJ
0
2.3x10-*
<40
<40
100
131 j
700
<40
70
<40
30
Rabbit No.
132Te
900
Q
5.2xlOJ
S.lxlO3
l.lxlO3
90
133j
700
•3
1.7X1Q-3
<40
50
140
3
131,
200
<40
<40
17
<40
Thyroid <40 2.2xl06 4.OxlO5 <40 4.OxlO6 7.2xl05 <40 1.8xl06 5.3xl05
Muscle 20 20 5 30 30 7 50 20 6
Pelt l.SxlO5 2.5xl05 4.2xl04 3.2xl03 4.1xl03 800 1.3xl03 1.5xl03 300
*Includes tissue and contents.
concentrations may be attributed to the calves' consumption of uncontaminated
deep well water, while the rabbits' source of water was from feed that had
been exposed to cloud passage.
On January 3, 1971, a mature, pregnant, Holstein cow was found dead at Well 3
which is located 15 miles south of the ground zero. Cause of death was
determined to be blood loss from a self-amputated teat. Tissue samples were
collected from this animal for radionuclide analysis. The rumen contents
103 131
contained 200 pCi of Ru per kg, the thyroid contained 5 pCi of I per g,
Qfi
the lungs 1.5±0.6 pCi of Pu per kg, and the femur 1.6±0.7 pCi of Sr per g
of bone ash. The short-lived radionuclides detected in this animal may have
originated from a small leakage from a test conducted December 16 as hay from
this facility was contaminated.
18
-------
The results of sample measurements for each of the cows involved in the
dairy herd studies are displayed individually in Appendix II. Weighted
average values for each group are shown in Tables 6 and 7 and are dis-
played graphically in Figures 2 and 3. The weighting is based on the
volume or mass produced by each animal. The effective half-lives,
indicated in Figure 2, were calculated from logarithmic least-squares
fits to the measured data.
The results of this experiment were unexpected. Group 2, fed hay
from Well 3, was expected to show the least peak activity in milk
instead of the most activity. Another anomaly is evident in Figure 2.
1 ?l
Starting about 60 hours after detonation, the milk secretion of I
decreased with an effective half-life of about 30 hours which approxi-
mates the effect observed in previous experiments when cows were given
uncontaminated forage. However, as indicated in Figure 3, the hay for
the Group 1 cows contained nearly 2 nCi/kg in the feed consumed at
129 hours post-detonation, enough activity to keep the milk levels higher
than those measured. Water and grain samples contained negligible amounts
of radioiodine.
The high level of 131I in the milk of Group 2 cows represents continued
exposure due to keeping them at the contaminated farm and to the levels
of 131I measured in the "uncontaminated" hay from Well 3. This latter
may be ascribed to a small leakage from a test conducted on December 16
3 131
as an air sampler at the farm measured 2.3 pCi-sec/m of I on that
date, or to redistribution of Baneberry debris as indicated by the air
sampler data for Well 3 shown in Table 8.
19
-------
Table 6. Weighted Average Radioiodine Concentrations, Intake, and
Output for Group 1 "Metabolism" Cows - nCi/liter or kilogram
Year
Date &
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
1970
Time
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Hours
from
Venting Hay
24 0.8
32 5.87
47 1.38
56 6.65
72 4.09
81 3.16
96 1.82
105 3.66
120 4.16
129 1.75
145 NC
153
169
177
193
201
217
225
241
249
265
273
131
Milk
0.60
0.75
0.60
0.69
0.33
0.28
0.18
0.12
0.10
0.10
0.06
0.06
0.07
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.05
0.03
0.03
0.05
0.02
0.02
I
Urine
NC
5.7
2.1
2.0
1.16
0.85
0.60
0.5
0.43
0.31
ND
NC
133j
Feces Hay Milk Urine
NC NC 11.5 NC
13.6 9.7 9.3 57.0
23.3 32.7 2.8 9.2
14.2 13.7 0.80 3.3
7.2 10.3 0.43 1.8
4.0 3.1 0.16 0.95
2.3 1.2 0.06 ND
1.2 ND ND ND
1.97
0.76
0.83
NC
Feces
NC
69.0
54.5
18.4
10.7
5.3
ND
ND
ND = Not detectable
20
-------
1 31
Table 7. Weighted Average I Concentrations in Milk and Hay
Groups 2 and 3 - nCi/liter or kilogram
Date &
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
Time
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Hours
from
Venting
24
32
47
56
72
81
96
105
120
129
145
153
169
177
193
201
217
225
241
249
265
273
Group 2
Hay
0.80
4.60
0.50
0.50
9.40
1.30
ND
ND
1.40
1.40
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
1.30
Milk
1.10
1.10
1.50
1.80
1.10
0.83
0.46
0.48
0.37
0.35
0.28
0.36
0.32
0.24
0.20
0.18
0.14
0.15
0.14
0.14
0.10
0.10
Group 3
Hay
0.80
2.10
2.50
2.50
0.80
1.40
ND
ND
1.50
ND
ND
ND
0.93
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
1.30
1.30
Milk
1.20
1.10
1.10
1.10
0.66
0.50
0.37
0.32
0.20
0.21
0.14
0.14
0.09
0.14
0.14
0.12
0.08
0.07
0.07
0.06
0.04
0.03
21
-------
Table 7. Weighted Average I Concentrations in Milk and Hay
Groups 2 and 3 - nCi/liter or kilogram (contd)
Date & Time
12/30 a.m.
p.m.
12/31 a.m.
p.m.
Hours
from
Venting
289
297
313
321
Group 2
Hay
0.84
ND
ND
ND
Milk
0.22
0.15
0.11
0.11
Group 3
Hay
0.84
ND
ND
ND
Milk
0.07
0.05
0.04
0.05
NTT= Not detectable
22
-------
CJ
I 1.0
UJ
CJ
o
o
- 0.1
.01
*** GROUP 1
... GROUP 2
GROUP 3
T, = 26.9 T2 = 61.3
T, = 33hr, T2= 69.3h
T, = 33.6hr, T2= 69.3
. .* •• -.
*' \ *. ••
* ';
*•#'
*•*
I I I I I I I I I I I I I
24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192 216 240 264 288 312
HOURS AFTER DETONATION
131
Figure 2. Weighted Average Milk Concentrations of I from the Three
Groups of Cows
23
-------
CD
o
•
LU
O
z
o
CJ
0.1
i]
A
URINE
MILK
HAY
\
, /' X\ ~ \
\> X°' \
.-' \\ D \
P 1.0
J2 .01
A -
\ ^
\
\
.
\
48 96 144 192 240 288
HOURS AFTER DETONATION
Figure 3. Weighted Average Values for Group 1 "Metabolism" Cows
24
-------
The ratio of peak concentration in milk to peak concentration in feed (0.11
for Group 1, 0.19 for Group 2, and 0.48 for Group 3) was higher for this
study than for previous experiments. This may have been caused by inhala-
131
tion exposure. Air sampler data for the farm showed measurable I
activity for several days after Baneberry (Table 8). Unfortunately, the
sampler was inoperative from 1240 hr on December 17 until 0815 hr on
December 19 so the maximum inhalation exposure for all the cows cannot be
determined. The inhalation exposure for the period December 20 to
January 3 can be calculated by assuming a breathing rate of 100 liters/min
o
(0.0017 m /sec) and multiplying the integrated air concentrations in
Table 8 by this amount. The exposure thus calculated is only 10.5 nCi
131
I for that period or about the amount ingested in the first hay feeding.
Another factor affecting the milk secretion of the cows, and possibly
affecting the results of this study, was that they were not milked for
many hours (1500 hr December 17 to 0730 hr December 19) because of test
activities. This depressed milk production of all cows by 40% on
December 20. However, milk production returned to normal levels by
December 23.
131
The I concentration in the first milking, approximately 24 hours after
venting, was high in all three groups. A supply of hay was put in the
feed bunkers after the afternoon milking on December 17 but was probably
mostly consumed by the time of venting on December 18. Therefore, the
radioiodine in the first milking was probably due to ingestion of normally
ignored residue of the feed plus inhalation during cloud passage. Based on
intake measurements for the Group 1 cows, they secreted 13.8% of their
25
-------
131 3
Table 8. Integrated I Concentration in Air (yCi-sec/m )
Ai
Date
ON
12/16, 1000
12/19, 0815
12/20, 1045
12/21, 0945
12/23, 1300
12/24, 0940
12/25, 1000
12/26, 1220
12/27, 1045
12/28, 1450
12/30, 1200
12/31, 1500
01/02, 0830
r Sampler
and Time
OFF
12/17, 1240
12/20, 1045
12/21, 0945
12/23, 1300
12/24, 0940
12/25, 1000
12/26, 1220
12/27, 1045
12/28, 1450
12/30, 1200
12/31, 1500
01/02/71, 0830
01/03, 0900
Area 15 Well 3
2.31
0.69 1.04
0.23 0.04
0.77 0.76
0.44
0.22
0.88
0.19
0.21
0.23
0.04
0.50
0.12
intake into their milk. This is little higher than the 9% average of all
previous experiments, the excess possibly reflecting inhalation intake,
or errors in estimating the contamination of the hay.
The peak concentration of 1.8 nCi/liter measured in the milk from Group 2
cows, located only 4 miles from surface ground zero, was only about twice
1 qi
the peak I concentration of 0.81 nCi/liter measured in the cows at the
McCurdy ranch^ ' which was more than 40 miles away.
An estimate of total intake can be made using the calf thyroid data from
131
Table 3 and the thyroid weights. The average I in those thyroids was
28 nCi. An earlier study^ ' indicated calf thyroids had a peak activity
26
-------
at four days with continued intake and the total in the thyroids repre-
sented 8.4 to 13.2% of intake. Dividing 28 nCi by these percentages
gives an estimate of 212 to 333 nCi as the total intake. This is not
inconsistent with the weighted average intake in hay of 243 nCi I for
the Group 1 cows. However, the Group 2 cows secreted about three times
131
as much I in their milk as Group 1 cows so their intake must have been
much greater.
Off-Site Studies
On December 30, 1970, a beef animal was sacrificed from a herd grazing
15 miles south of Beatty, Nevada. Samples collected included the
thyroid, kidney, liver, and sternum. The thyroid was the only sample
containing detectable levels of gamma-emitting radionuclides. The I
content was 2.4 nCi/g. Selenium and molybdenum analyses were performed
as requested by the owner and was found to be less than 10 parts per
million.
On December 30, 1970, two jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) and one male
ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), a bottom feeder, were collected in the
vicinity of Sunnyside, Nevada.
Table 9 presents the analytical data of the rabbit tissues that contained
131
detectable levels of radionuclides. Significant levels of I were found
in the kidneys and ingesta of the rabbits, but were not found in other
tissues collected. All tissues collected from the duck were below
detectable limits. This might have been the result of the duck having
27
-------
Table 9. Analytical Data - Sunnyside Rabbits (pCi/kg)
Rabbit No.
Tissue
Stomach contents
Intestinal contents
Ki dney
Muscle
131j
3.3xl04
3.7xl04
2.5xl04
<25
103Ru
<25
1.4xl04
<25
<25
1
137Cs
<25
<25
<25
1.9xl02
Rabbit
131j
2.1xl04
<25
3.6xl04
<40
No. 2
137CS
<25
<25
<25
1.9xl02
just migrated into the area prior to the time of sampling, whereas the
rabbits were residents of the area.
A cow and a steer that ranged the Tonopah Test Range were purchased in
Goldfield, Nevada. They were sacrificed, necropsied, and sampled on
January 5, 1971. The uterus of the cow contained a 5%-month-old fetus.
The analytical data are presented in Table 10. The thyroids contained
131 239
significant levels of I. The bones of the fetus contained Pu and
131
the muscle tissue contained I, indicating placenta! transfer of these
radionuclides. Tritium levels in the blood were 1 pCi/ml of free water.
The botanical analysis of the rumen contents is presented in Appendix III.
Also collected on this date was a young female coyote that was shot
approximately 1% miles west of the main gate of the Tonopah Test Range.
The thyroid was not collected as it was destroyed by the .243 caliber
bullet. No detectable gamma- emit ting radionuclides were found in the
muscle. The femur bone contained 0.5±0.3 pCi of Pu/kg and 4.0±0.9 pCi
90
of Sr/g of ash.
28
-------
Table 10. Analytical Data - Tonopah Test Range Cattle
Bovine 131I
Tissue No. pCi/kg
Rumen
contents
Liver
Lung
Thyroid
Muscle
Bone
Fetal
bone
Fetal
muscle
NA = Not
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
7.6xl03
4.4xl03
l.SxlO3
l.SxlO3
4.6xl03
2.5xl03
5.8xl07
1.7xl07
640
400
NA
NA
NA
550
103Ru
pCi/kg
6.6xl03
3.8xl03
70
160
<25
720
<25
<25
<25
160
NA
NA
NA
<25
140Ba
pCi/kg
870
790
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
NA
NA
NA
<25
137Cs
pCi/kg
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
70
NA
NA
NA
<25
239Pu
pCi/kg wet
pd'/g ash
NA
NA
NA
NA
<0.1
<0.001
0.9±0.2
0.09±0.03
NA
NA
NA
NA
0.3±0.2
0.02±0.01
4.0±0.6
0.04±0.006
0.5+0.2
0.008±0.002
NA
90Sr
pCi/kg wet
pCi/g ash
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
450±100
3.0±0.9
350±100
3.5+0.9
150+50
2.1±0.8
NA
analyzed.
29
-------
On January 8, 1971, samples were collected from two beef steers of mixed
breeding that had been grazing on the Kawich Valley range for several
months preceding the event.
One animal was suffering from a liver abscess. No other lesions were
noted during the necropsies. The analytical data are presented in
131
Table 11. Again, the highest levels of I were found in the thyroids
and the greatest variety of gamma-emitting nuclides were present on the
skin and hair. Tritium levels in the blood of these two steers were
1.2 and 1.4 pCi/ml of free water, respectively. See Appendix III for
botanical analysis of the rumen contents.
During December of 1970, a band of sheep from Adaven, Nevada, was grazing
in the Timber Pass area on the east side of Coal Valley. A portion of
the Baneberry cloud passed over this area. '
On February 2, 1971, two aged ewe sheep were purchased from this band for
sacrifice. Necropsy showed that the first sheep was pregnant and had an
abscessed mammary gland. The second sheep was dying from extensive liver
abscesses. Vital statistics of these sheep are presented in Table 1 and
the analytical data are presented in Table 12. The thyroids, six weeks
131
after exposure, still contained significant levels of I. No other
short-lived fission products were detected in the other tissues.
Tungsten-181 was detected in the liver from both sheep. Tritium levels
in the free water from blood were less than 0.4 pCi/ml. Gamma-emitting
radionuclides were below detectable limits in the tissues of the fetus
collected from the pregnant ewe. See Appendix III for botanical analysis
of rumen contents.
30
-------
Table 11. Analytical Data - Kawich Valley Cattle
Bovine 131I
Tissue No. pCi/kg
Rumen
contents
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Thyroid
Muscle
Bone
Skin
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
7.9xl04
r*
1.1x10°
4.1xl04
3.8xl04
2.7xl04
l.lxlO4
2.7xl05
3.2xl04
4.1xl08
6.4xl08
4.6xl03
4.7xl03
NA
NA
8.9xl04
4.8xl04
103Ru
PCi/kg
1.2xl05
P
1.5xlOb
<25
<25
4.2xl04
590
9.6xl03
l.SxlO3
<25
<25
210
300
NA
NA
2.6xl04
2.5xl04
140Ba
PCi/kg
1.4xl03
2.0xl04
<25
<25
<25
<25
250
240
<25
<25
<25
<25
NA
NA
2.2xl03
S.lxlO3
141Ce
pCi/kg
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
<125
NA
NA
7.0xl03
3.4xl03
239Pu
pCi/kg wet
pd'/q ash
NA
NA
NA
NA
0.10±0.06
0.03±0.01
NA
0.6±0.3
0.05±0.02
0.3±0.2
0.04±0.02
NA
NA
NA
NA
<0.003
<0.003
NA
NA
90Sr
pCi/kg wet
pCi/g ash
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
800±300
3.0±1.1
250±200
0.9±0.7
NA
NA
NA = Not analyzed.
31
-------
Table 12. Analytical Data - Coal Valley Sheep
Sheep131! 103RU 144Ce 137Cs 181W
Tissue No. pCi/kg pCi/kg pCi/kg pCi/kg pCi/kq
Rumen
contents
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Thyroid
Muscle
Bone
Skin and
wool
Fetus
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
1.3xl05
l.lxlO5
<25
<25
NA
NA
<25
<25
<25
<25
400
<25
<25
50
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
NA
NA
<25
<25
<25
<250
700
<250
<250
<250
<250
<250
<250
<250
<250
<250
<250
NA
NA
<250
<250
<250
<25
<25
<25
<25
40
70
<25
<25
<25
<25
<25
<30
NA
NA
<25
<25
<25
<300
<300
<300
<300
2.0X103
1.2xl03
<300
<300
<300
<300
<300
<300
NA
NA
<300
<300
<300
2^9
"yPu
pCi/kg wet
pCi/g ash
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
3.0+0.1
0.3±0.05
<0.001
<0.001
NA
NA
NA
NA
1.2±0.4
0.05±0.02
<0.001
NA
NA
NA
%
pCi/kg wet
pCi/q ash
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
900±200
4.3±1.0
1700±300
9.9±1.6
NA
NA
NA
NA = Not analyzed.
32
-------
HISTOPATHOLOGY
Tissue slides were prepared from tissues collected from all sacrificed
animals and were submitted for interpretation by the pathologist,
J. M. Ward, DVM, Ph. D., Veterinary Pathologist, Radiation Office, EPA,
Rockville, Maryland. No unexpected pathological lesions were found.
The individual reports on each specimen examined are on file at the
National Environmental Research Center-Las Vegas.
33
-------
FISTULATED STEER STUDY ON THE NEVADA TEST SITE
This study was designed to determine the oral intake of fresh fission
products by cattle grazing natural vegetation contaminated by fallout
from the Baneberry Event. The study also provided information as to the
food habits of grazing cattle.
The study area was centered on White Rock Springs which is located approx -
mately two miles northwest of the ground zero. The spring supplied
drinking water for the three rumen-fistulated mature Hereford steers
which served as the biological samplers for the study.
Between April 14, 1971 and July 27, 1971, the three steers were placed
on the study area every three weeks. The steers were maintained in the
Area 15 corrals between sampling periods. Prior to placement on the
range, the steers' rumens were emptied of all ingesta and a blood sample
was collected. The steers were then transported from Area 15 to the
White Rock Springs area where they were allowed to graze freely for 72 hours.
They were then returned to Area 15 where the rumen contents were sampled for
radionuclide and botanical analysis and a post-grazing blood sample was
collected for tritium analysis. Drinking water samples from Area 15 and
White Rock Springs were collected prior to grazing.
Table 13 presents the data on tritium levels in rumen contents, drinking
water and in blood collected prior to and subsequent to grazing the
study area. In general, the tritium levels in the blood were higher
following grazing and were slightly higher than that found in the rumen
34
-------
Table 13. Tritium Levels - Fistulated Steers (pCi/ml of Free Water)
Animal
No.
901
902
905
901
902
905
901
902
905
901
902
905
901
902
905
1
Date
4/14/71
4/14/71
4/14/71
5/12/71
5/12/71
5/12/71
6/2/71
6/2/71
6/2/71
6/30/71
6/30/71
6/30/71
7/27/71
7/27/71
7/27/71
Blood Blood
Pre-grazing Post-grazing
<0.4
<0.4
0.5
0.9
2.1
0.9
1.9
2.5
2.9
1.5
2.0
1.9
2.2±0.3
2.7±0.4
2.2±0.4
<0.4
1.0
0.6
3.8
3.9
2.3
3.2
3.3
2.6
2.1
2.2
1.5
1.8±0.3
2.2±0.3
1.8±0.3
Rumen Drinking Water
Contents Area 15 White Rock
0.4 <0.4
0.5
<0.4
2.1 <0.4
2.4
1.0
2.9 <0.4
2.6
2.5
1.5 <0.4
1.7
1.7
1.6+0.3 0.610.3
1.810.3
1.910.4
<0.4
<0.4
<0.4
<0.4
<0.4
35
-------
contents. The tritium content of the drinking water was usually below
detectable levels. No gamma-emitting radionuclides were detected in the
water samples.
Data on the gamma-emitting radionuclides and plutonium levels detected
in the rumen contents are presented in Table 14. Short-lived radio-
nuclides detected included 103Ru, 95Zr, and 124Sb. The latter was not
detected in any samples collected off the Nevada Test Site.
Results of the botanical analysis are presented in Table 15. Grasses
made up the bulk of the diet of the animals while on the range. Favored
grasses were Stipa speciosa (desert needlegrass) during April and May,
Qrhyzopsis hymenoides (Indian rice grass) during June and July and
Elymus cinereus (giant rye grass) during late July.
36
-------
Table 14. Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Plutonium Levels in
Rumen Contents
Animal
No. Date
901
902
905
901
902
905
901
902
905
901
902
905
901
4/14/71
4/14/71
4/14/71
5/12/71
5/12/71
5/12/71
6/2/71
6/2/71
6/2/71
6/30/71
6/30/71
6/30/71
7/27/71
144Ce
pCi/kq
7.8xl03
1.4xl03
1.2xl04
4.5xl03
2.1xl03
1.2xl03
500
450
l.OxlO3
300
250
400
500
103Ru
PCi/kg
1
2
2
4
3
1
8
1
1
2
7
1
.IxlO5
.OxlO5
.3xl05
.4xl04
.OxlO3
.8xl03
.4x1 O3
.OxlO3
.3xl04
200
.4xl03
.SxlO3
.OxlO4
95Zr
pCi/kg
2.4xl03
l.lxlO4
4.4xl03
200
300
450
400<
500
500
100
100
200
200
60Co
pCi/Kg
2.3xl03
300
1.7xl03
300
700
300
200
300
600
400
150
400
l.lxlO3
124Sb
PCi/kg
8.9xl03
1.4xl04
l.lxlO3
3.5xl03
1.4xl03
1.2xl03
l.lxlO3
l.OxlO3
1.4xl03
l.lxlO3
400
950
1 .4xl03
54 238p'
3^Mn pCi/kg
pCi/kg pCi/g
2. OxlO3
9.3xl03
<25
2.6xl03
2.4xl03
300
<25
<25
1.4xl03
900
900
1.2xl03
2.1xl03
239
j "yPu
wet pCi/kg wet
ash pCi/g ash
3.5±0.9
0.2±0.04
3. 0±1
0.1±0
3.0±0
0.1±0
1.1+0
0.1±0
1.7±0
0.1±0
0.7+0
0.1±0
0.9±0
0.1+0
1.5±0
0.1+0
3.0+1
0.1±0
.0
.04
.8
.04
.7
.04
.6
.04
.3
.03
.6
.03
.7
.03
.0
.03
2.1±0.8
0.05±0.06
0.9±0
0.5±0
1.7+0
0.1 ±0
4.0±1
0.1±0
.5
.03
.7
.04
.0
.04
21.0+-2.0
1.0±0.09
26.0+-2.0
1.U0.09
24.0±2.0
1.0±0.09
10.0+1.0
0.6±0.07
n.oti.o
0.7±0.08
4.5+0.6
0.4+0.06
7.0±1.0
0.3±0.05
9.0+1.0
0.4±0.05
20.0+2.0
0.6±0.07
70.0+5.0
5.0±0.4
5.0±0.8
0.3±0.05
10.0±1.0
0.6±0.07
22.0±2.0
0.9±0.09
37
-------
Table 14. Gamma-Emitting Radionuclides and Plutonium Levels in
Rumen Contents (contd)
239^
Animal 144Ce 103Ru 95Zr 60Co 124Sb 54Mn pCi/kg wet jCi/kg wet
No. Date pCi/kg pCi/kg pCi/kg pC1/kg pCi/kg pCi/kg pCi/g ash pCi/g ash
902 7/27/71 700 1.4xl04 300 1 .IxlO3 1 .6xl03 2.5xl03 3.0±1 .0 10.0±1.0
O.U0.05 0.4+0.06
905 7/27/71 500 8.3xl03 600 500 800 40 2.0±1.0 15.0±2.0
0.1±0.05 0.7±0.1
38
-------
Table 15. Botanical Analysis of Rumen Contents of Bovines
Grazing White Rock Spring Area
Date
Collected
Animal
Identification
Botanical Analysis
4/14/71
4/14/71
4/14/71
5/12/71
901
902
905
901
5/12/71
902
5/12/71
905
6/2/71
6/2/71
901
902
Stipa speciosa - 54%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 46%
Ephedra nevadensis - Trace
Stipa speaiosa - 58%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 37%
Sitanion hystrix - 5%
Stipa speciosa - 87%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 11%
Sitanion hystrix - 2%
Stipa speaiosa - 36%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 34%
Sitanion hystrix - 29%
Ephedra nevadensis - 1%
Atriplex canesaens - Trace
Orhysopsis hymenoides - 63%
Stipa speaiosa - 30%
Sitanion hystrix - 4%
Ephedra nevadensis - 3%
Forb spp. - Trace
Orhysopsis hymenoides - 35%
Stipa speaiosa - 33%
Sitanion hystrix - 32%
Ephedra nevadensis - Trace
Forb spp. - Trace
Stipa speaiosa - 63%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 37%
Chenopodiim spp. - Trace
Salsola kali - Trace
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Stipa speaiosa - 34%
Sitanion hystrix - 3%
- 63%
39
-------
Table 15. Botanical Analysis of Rumen Contents of Bovines
Grazing White Rock Spring Area (contd)
Animal
Identification
Date
Collected
Botanical Analysis
6/2/71
6/30/71
6/30/71
905
905
902
6/30/71
7/27/71
901
901
7/27/71
902
7/27/71
905
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 90%
Stipa speciosa - 9%
Eriogonum spp. - 1%
Salsola kali - Trace
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 53%
Si.tani.on hystrix - 7%
Stipa speciosa - 39%
Salsola kali - 1%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 58%
Sitanion hystrix - 39%
Salsola kali - 3%
Elymus cine-reus - Trace
Bromus spp. - Trace
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 63%
Stipa speciosa - 10%
Sitanion hystrix - 17%
Salsola kali - 10%
Elymus cinereus - 78%
Stipa speciosa - 12%
Hilaria jamesii - 4%
Sitanion hystrix - 2%
Herbaceous fragments - 4%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - Trace
Elymus cinereus - 58%
Orhyzopsis hymenoides - 28%
Sitanion hystrix - 6%
Herbaceous fragments - 4%
Stipa speciosa - 4%
Atriplex canescens - Trace
Purshia glandulosa - Trace
Orhyzopsis h'./menoides - 47%
Elymus cinereus - 39%
Stipa speciosa - 6%
Herbaceous fragments - 4%
Hilaria jamcsii - 4%
Atriplex canescens - Trace
Purshia glandulosa - Trace
40
-------
INVESTIGATIONS
Garrison, Utah, Sheep Investigation
On January 21, 1971, it was reported that more than a thousand sheep had
died suddenly near the small town of Garrison which is located in Western
Utah. A comprehensive investigation of the cause of the losses was initi-
ated by the State of Utah. Because speculation by the press implied
radiation was a possible etiological agent, the National Environmental
Research Center-Las Vegas was permitted to observe the incident and to con-
duct an independent investigation on a non-interference basis. The final
(2)
reportv ' concluded that the cause of death was halogeton poisoning.
A thyroid collected on January 22 from an aged Columbia ewe contained
131 (9)
350 pCi I per gram. The calculated peak concentrationv ' on January 1,
1971, would have been about 3.5 nCi/g. Tissues were not collected for
tritium analysis.
Investigation of Alleged Radiation Sicknesses - Ursine, Nevada
On February 18, 1971, an investigation was made of sickness and deaths in
domestic animals belonging to a family living near Ursine, Nevada.
The family (man, wife, and three-year-old son) had previously been exam-
ined for "radiation sickness" by the local physician and by public health
physicians and their illnesses had been diagnosed as a viral enteritis of
non-specific etiological origin. The family felt that their animals
41
-------
(chickens, rabbit, cats, dogs, cockateels, and canaries) were suffering
from the same condition as themselves.
One rabbit, two chickens, canary eggs, alfalfa hay, and water were col-
lected for radionuclide analyses. The animals were necropsied by the
Animal Investigation Program veterinarian and by the Nevada Animal Disease
Laboratory. Histological specimens were examined by an independent histo-
pathologist, Dr. J. W. Ward. No definite diagnosis was made on the basis
of the necropsy, hematologic, or histopathologic examinations. Detectable
levels of fresh fission radionuclides were not found in any of the samples.
This investigation was closed on April 3, 1971.
The exact etiological agent will probably remain unidentified but it was
postulated that the stresses of severe cold, high winds, and heavy snows
during this time, lowered the resistance of the animals and allowed a
viral or bacterial agent to overcome their natural defenses and resulted
in the illnesses reported.
42
-------
REFERENCES
1. Final Report of Off-Site Surveillance for the Baneberry Event,
SWRHL-107r. Environmental Surveillance, Western Environmental
Research Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada 89114. (February 1972)
2. The January 1971 Sheep Death Incident Near Garrison, Utah,
SWRHL-114r. Radiological Research Program, Western Environmental
Research Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada 89114. (November 1971)
3. Talvitie, N. A. Radiochemical Determination of Plutonium in Environ-
mental and Biological Samples by Ion Exchange. Analytical Chemistry,
Vol. 43, p. 1827. (November 1971)
4. Talvitie, N. A. Electrodeposition of Actinides for Alpha Spectro-
metric Determination. Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 44, p. 280.
(February 1972)
5. Johns, F. B. Handbook of Radiochemical Analytical Methods, SWRHL-llr.
Western Environmental Research Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada 89114.
(February 1970)
6. Lesperance, A. L., V. R. Bohman, and D. W. Marble. Development of
Techniques for Evaluating Grazing Forage. J. Dairy Sci., Vol. 43,
p. 682. (1960)
7. Smith, T. M., A. L. Lesperance, V. R. Bohman, R. A. Brechbill, and
K. W. Brown. Intake and Digestibility of Forages Grazed by Cattle
on a Southern Nevada Range. Proceedings Western Section Society
of Animal Science, Vol. 19. (1968)
8. Smith, D. D, K. W. Brown, R. A. Brechbill, K. R. Giles, and
A. L. Lesperance. The Radionuclide Concentrations and Botanical
Composition of the Diet of Cattle Grazing the Area 18 Range of the
Nevada Test Site, 1966-1970, SWRHL-llOr. Western Environmental
Research Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada 89114. (May 1972)
9. Bustad, L. K., E. E. Elefson, E. C. Watson, D. H. Wood, and H. A.
Ragan. 131i in the Thyroid of Sheep and in Food, Thyroid, and Milk
of Dairy Cows. Hanford Biology Research Annual Report for 1962,
HW-7600, p. 60-62, Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland,
Washington. (1963)
10. Shimoda, W., S. C. Black. K. H. Falter, R. E. Engel, and D. S. Barth.
Study of a Single Dose '311 - 126i Ratio in Dairy Cows, SWRHL-27r,
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada
89114. (April 1970)
43
-------
APPENDIX I. Minimum Detectable Activities by Gamma Spectroscopy,
Technical Support Laboratory, National Environmental
Research Center-Las Vegas, Environmental Protection Agency
The minimum detectable activities (MDA's) in terms of total activity
per sample for standard geometries and counting times are based on a
combination of a number of technical experiments and operational
experience. By means of experimentation the MDA has been defined as
that activity which produced a ±100% deviation at the 95% confidence
level. On the basis of experience the MDA is defined as that activity
which can be positively identified on a net spectrum plot. These
values are applicable to ideal conditions and simple complexes of
nuclides. Complex spectra or spectra showing natural contamination
can raise the MDA's considerably.
Minimum Detectable Activities in pCi for Total Sample
Isotope
54»n
65Zn
60Co
95Zr
103Ru
106Ru
124Sb
125Sb
132Te
131j
133,
137CS
140Ba
141Ce
10 Min Count
Planchet
50
500
50
50
50
500
50
250
50
50
50
50
50
250
40
Planchet
25
250
25
25
25
250
25
125
25
25
25
25
25
125
Min Count
400 ml
40
400
40
40
40
400
40
200
40
40
40
40
40
200
45
3.5 1
35
350
35
35
35
350
35
175
35
35
35
35
35
175
100
400 ml
25
250
25
25
25
250
25
125
25
25
25
25
25
125
Min Count
1000 ml
25
250
25
25
25
250
25
125
25
25
25
25
25
125
3.5 1
22
220
22
22
22
220
22
no
22
22
22
22
22
110
-------
APPENDIX I. Minimum Detectable Activities in pCi for Total Sample (contd)
10 Min Count40 Min Count100 Min Count
Isotope Planchet Planchet 400 ml 3.5 1 400 ml 1000 ml 3.5 1
144
Ce 500 250 400 350 250 250 220
600 300 475 425 300 300 260
3H 0.4 pCi per ml of H20
89
Sr 5.0 pCi total sample of ash
90
Sr 2.0 pCi total sample of ash
238
Pu 0.01 pCi per gram of ash
239
Pu 0.01 pCi per gram of ash
K* 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.25
*Grams of stable potassium per kilogram of sample (wet weight) as deter-
mined from 40|< activity.
46
-------
131
Appendix II-l. I Concentration in Hay and Milk Samples from Group 1
"Metabolism" Cows - nCi/liter or kilogram
Date & Time
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24*
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
12/30
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Cow
Hay
0
8
1
2
3
0
1
7
4
2
0
1
.80
.10
.50
.30
.10
.40
.90
.60
.40
.80
ND
ND
.93
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
.30
0.84
ND
16
Mil
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
k
28
34
51
42
24
24
16
09
09
10
10
09
12
13
12
12
08
09
06
06
04
03
02
03
Cow 45
Hay Mil
0.80 0.
2.80 0.
1.00 0.
8.30 0.
1.90 0.
2.40 0.
1.70 0.
1.80 0.
5.70 0.
0.90 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
<0.
k
36
42
66
62
26
23
14
09
05
09
05
05
05
06
06
07
03
03
02
02
01
0.02
<0.01
<0.01
Cow 46
Hay Milk
0.80 0.
6.60 0.
NC 0.
9.80 0.
7.70 0.
6.50 0.
1.70 0.
2.10 0.
3.60 0.
0.99 0.
0.
0.
0,
0.
0.
0.
0.
56
80
38
67
37
31
22
16
14
12
07
03
04
07
08
07
05
0.05
0.04
0.05
<0.01
0.03
0.03
0.02
Cow 123
Hay Milk
0.80 1.
6.00 2.
2.80 1.
4.20 1.
4.20 0.
3.20 0.
2.00 0.
NS 0.
1.90 0.
2.50 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
20
00
30
20
52
34
17
13
01
07
04
06
08
07
06
06
0.04
0.04
0.04
0.05
0.02
0.20
0.02
0.02
47
-------
131
Appendix II-l. I Concentration in Hay and Milk Samples from Group 1
"Metabolism" Cows - nCi/liter or kilogram (contd)
Cow 16 Cow 45
Date & Time Hay Milk Hay Mil
12/31
01/01/71
01/02
a
P
a
P
a
P
.m.
.m.
.m.
.m.
.m.
.m.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
03
04
03
03
04
04
0.
0.
<0.
0.
0.
0.
Cow 46
k Hay Mil
02
02
01
02
02
02
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
Cow 123
k Hay Mil
04
03
02
03
04
04
0.
0.
<0.
0.
<0.
0.
k
03
02
01
02
01
03
NC = Not collected
*Moved to Area 15 after a.m. milking 12/24 and composite hay samples taken.
ND = Not detectable
48
-------
Appendix 11-2. Radioiodine Concentration in Urine and Feces Samples
from Group 1 Cows - nCi/liter or kilogram
Date &
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
Time
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Cow
Urine
1.0
0.9
0.7
0.47
0.4
0.34
0.35
0.16
0.26
NC
12.0
7.6
3.4
1.5
0.9
0.68
ND
16
Feces
5
8
4
2
2
1
0
1
0
0
29
31
14
8
6
3
.8
.1
.8
.7
.2
.9
.96
.8
.73
.85
.0
.0
.0
.3
.0
.8
ND
Cow 45
Urine Feces
3.9
1.9
1.6
0.96
0.7
0.51
0.48
0.27
0.26
NC
45.0
13.0
7.3
2.5
1.8
0.81
ND
18.
22.
15.
11.
3.
2.
0.
1.
0.
0.
90.
110
55.
20.
9.
6.
131j
0
0
0
0
5
3
99
6
73
72
133j
0
0
0
6
8
ND
Cow
Urine
2.8
1.9
2.1
1.2
0.99
0.81
0.51
0.57
0.33
NC
32.0
14.0
9.4
3.2
ND
1.1
ND
46
Feces
17.0
16.0
12.0
5.4
3.2
2.2
1.3
0.86
0.70
0.88
89.0
81.7
45.0
15.7
9.1
5.3
ND
Cow 123
Urine Feces
15.0
4.1
3.8
2.4
1.5
0.88
0.70
0.63
0.41
NC
140
25.0
18.0
7.4
3.3
1.4
ND
NC
59.0
27.0
10.6
7.2
3.0
1.8
3.9
0.91
0.90
NC
350
no
31.7
18.3
5.3
ND
NC:= Not collected
ND = Not detectable
49
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131
Appendix II-3. I Concentration in Hay and Milk Samples from Group 3
Cows - Milk-nCi/liter - Hay-nCi/kilogram
Date &
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
12/30
Time
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Hay
0.80
2.10
2.50
2.50
0.80
1.40
ND
ND
1.50
ND
ND
ND
0.93
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
1.30
0.84
ND
Cow 11
Milk
NC
1.10
1.00
1.20
0.66
0.52
0.40
0.35
0.22
0.21
0.17
0.17
0.10
0.15
0.15
0.14
0.08
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.03
0.05
0.05
Cow 119
Milk
1.20
1.20
1.20
0.89
0.64
0.43
0.32
0.24
0.15
0.21
0.10
0.10
0.08
0.12
0.11
0.10
0.06
0.06
0.08
0.05
0.04
0.04
0.04
0.05
50
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Appendix I1-3. I Concentration in Hay and Milk Samples from Group 3
Cows - MiIk-nCi/liter - Hay-nCi/kilogram (contd)
Date & Time
12/31
01/01/71
01/02
01/03
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Hay
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.9
ND
4.70
ND
Cow 11
Milk
0.04
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.04
0.04
0.05
Cow 119
Milk
0.05
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.07
0.08
0.06
NC = Not collected
ND = Not detectable
51
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131
Appendix I1-4. I Concentration in Hay and Milk Samples from Group 2
"Inhalation" Cows - Milk-nCi/liter - Hay-nCi/kilogram
Date &
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
12/30
Time
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Hay
0.80
4.60
0.50
0.50
9.40
1.30
ND
ND
1.40
1.40
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
0.84
ND
Cow 13
Milk
0.39
0.38
0.55
0.52
0.35
0.26
0.15
0.20
0.19
0.24
0.22
0.21
0.22
0.21
0.14
0.14
0.06
0.07
0.04
0.06
0.04
0.06
0.03
0.02
Cow 87
Milk
1.60
0.66
3.40
3.20
2.00
1.20
0.75
0.77
0.57
0.40
0.36
0.41
0.43
0.32
0.25
0.25
0.16
0.12
0.17
0.16
0.10
0.11
0.50
0.31
Cow 127
Milk
1.30
2.10
1.40
1.50
1.40
1.00
0.77
0.59
0.50
0.61
0.43
0.45
0.39
0.32
0.29
0.34
0.32
0.36
0.30
0.27
0.20
0.15
0.11
0.09
Cow 134
Milk
1.10
1.70
1.30
1.40
0.72
0.50
0.29
0.25
0.21
0.18
0.14
0.17
0.23
0.14
0.15
0.12
0.16
0.16
0.16
0.14
0.10
0.09
0.08
0.10
52
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131
Appendix II-4. I Concentration in Hay and Milk Samples from Group 2
"Inhalation" Cows - Milk-nCi/liter - Hay-nCi/kilogram
(contd)
Date & Time
12/31
01/01/71
01/02
01/03
01/04
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
a.m.
p.m.
Hay
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
Cow 13
Milk
0.11
0.15
0.04
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.03
<0.01
<0.01
Cow 87
Milk
0.10
0.09
0.15
0.14
0.15
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.10
Cow 127
Milk
0.06
0.09
0.09
0.08
0.12
0.11
0.10
0.10
0.07
0.06
Cow 134
Milk
0.17
0.09
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.04
0.06
ND = Not detectable
53
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APPENDIX III. Botanical Analysis of Rumen Contents from Off-Site
Cattle and Sheep
BOV-1-Nye Co
Scientific Name
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Ewpotia lanata
Malacothrix
Unidentified forb
Herbaceous fragments
Common Name
Plant Parts
Indian rice grass Stems-leaves
Winter fat Stems-leaves
Sunflower Leaves
Fragments
Fragments
Composition
83
17
Trace
Trace
Trace
BOV-2-Nye Co
Scientific Name
Common Name
Orhyzopsis hymenoides Indian rice grass
Euro Ha lanata Winter fat
Atriplex oanescens Four-winged saltbush
Hilaria Jamesii Gall eta grass
Eriogonum spp. Wild buckwheat
Plant Parts
Stems-leaves
Stems-leaves
Leaves
Leaves
Stems
Composition
89
11
Trace
Trace
Trace
BOV-1-Lin Co
Scientific Name
Common Name
Atriplex oanesaens Four-winged saltbush
Orhyzopsis hymenoides Indian rice grass
Unidentified shrub
Unidentified grass
Unidentified forb
Hilaria jamesii Galleta grass
Plant Parts
Stems-leaves
Stems-leaves
Woody fragments
Leaves
Fragments
Leaves
Composition
76
18
3
1
1
1
54
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APPENDIX III. Botanical Analysis of Rumen Contents from Off-Site
Cattle and Sheep (contd)
BOV-2-Lin Co
Scientific Name
Common Name
Atriplex oanesoens Four-winged saltbush
Orhysopsis hymenoides Indian rice grass
Hitaria jcanes'Li,
Unidentified grass
Salsola kal-i
ETri-ogomon spp.
Gall eta grass
Russian thistle
Wild buckwheat
Plant Parts
Stems-leaves
Stems-leaves
Stems-leaves
Leaves
Stems-leaves
Stems
Composition
69
25
3
2
1
Trace
SHEEP-2-Lin Co
Scientific Name
Grass
Forbs
Shrubs
Common Name
Plant Parts
Stems-leaves
Stems-leaves
Stems-leaves
Composition
78
4
18
NOTE: 10% of shrub composition was Atriplex oanesoens; other species
unidentified.
55
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DISTRIBUTION
1 - 20 Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, NV
21 Mahlon E. Gates, Manager, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
22 Charles E. Williams, Deputy Manager, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
23 Bennie G. DiBona, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
24 David G. Jackson, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
25 Arthur J. Whitman, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
26 Elwood M. Douthett, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
27 - 28 Ernest D. Campbell, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
29 - 30 Paul B. Dunaway, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
31 - 32 Mary G. White, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
33 Roger Ray, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
34 Robert W. Taft, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
35 Leon Silverstrom, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
36 Richard C. Amick, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
37 John 0. Cummings, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
38 Bruce W. Church, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
39 - 40 Technical Library, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
41 Chief, NOB/DNA, ERDA/NV, Las Vegas, NV
42 Martin B. Biles, DOS, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
43 Tommy F. McCraw, DOS, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
44 _ 45 Major General Ernest Graves, Assistant General Manager, DMA,
ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
46 Gordon F. Facer, DMA, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
47 James L. Liverman, Director, DBER, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
48 Robert L. Watters, DBER, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
49 John S. Kirby-Smith, DBER, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
50 L. Joe Deal, DOS, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
51 Charles L. Osterberg, DBER, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
52 Rudolf J. Engelmann, DBER, ERDA/HQ, Washington, DC
53 Harold F. Mueller, ARL, NOAA, Las Vegas, NV
54 Gilbert J. Ferber, ARL, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD
-------
55 Wilson K. Talley, Assistant Administrator for Research and
Development, EPA, Washington, DC
56 William D. Rowe, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Radiation
Programs, EPA, Washington, DC
57 William A. Mills, Director, Division of Criteria and Standards,
ORP, EPA, Washington, DC
58 - 59 Floyd L. Galpin, Director, Field Operations Division, ORP,
EPA, Washington, DC
60 E. David Harward, Director, Division of Technology Assessment,
ORP, EPA, Washington, DC
61 Albert C. Printz, Jr., Director, Office of Technical Analysis,
EPA, Washington, DC
62 Library, EPA, Washington, DC
63 Bernd Kahn, Chief, Radiochemistry and Nuclear Engineering,
EPA, EMSL-Cincinnati, OH
64 Peter Hal pin, Chief, APTIC, EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
65 Paul DeFalco, Jr., Regional Administrator, Region IX, EPA,
San Francisco, CA
66 James K. Channel!, Regional Radiation Representative,
Region IX, EPA, San Francisco, CA
67 Charles Porter, Director, Eastern Environmental Radiation
Facility, Montgomery, AL
68 K. M. Oswald, Manager, Health and Safety, ILL, Mercury, NV
69 Bernard W. Shore, LLL, Livermore, CA
70 James E. Carothers, LLL, Livermore, CA
71 Howard W. Tewes, LLL, Livermore, CA
72 Lawrence S. Germain, LLL, Livermore, CA
73 Mortimer L. Mendelsohn, LLL, Livermore, CA
74 Paul L. Phelps, LLL, Livermore, CA
75 Charles I. Browne, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
76 George E. Tucker, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
77 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
78 Arden E. Bicker, REECo, Mercury, NV
79 Savino W. Cavender, REECo, Mercury, NV
80 Carter D. Broyler, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
81 Melvin L. Merritt, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
82 Richard S. Davidson, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH
83 Steven V. Kaye, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN
-------
84 Leo K. Bustad, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State
University, Pullman, WA
85 Leonard A. Sagan, Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto, CA
86 Vincent Schultz, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
87 Arthur Wallace, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
88 Wesley E. Niles, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
89 Robert C. Pendleton, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
90 William S. Twenhofel, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
91 Paul R. Fenske, Desert Research Institute, University of
Nevada, Reno, NV
92 Lloyd P. Smith, President, Desert Research Institute, University
of Nevada, Reno, NV
93 Verle R. Bohman, University of Nevada, Reno, NV
94 Manager, Desert National Wildlife Range, U.S. Fish and Game
Department, Las Vegas, NV
95 Supervisor, Region III, Nevada Fish and Game Department,
Las Vegas, NV
96 Paul Lyons, Nevada Wildlife Research, Division of Archives,
Capitol Building Annex, Carson City, NV
97 - 123 Technical Information Center, ERDA, Oak Ridge, TN
(for public availability)
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