SWRHL-llOr
THE RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS AND BOTANICAL
COMPOSITION OF THE DIET OF CATTLE
GRAZING THE AREA 18 RANGE OF THE
NEVADA TEST SITE, 1966-1970
by
D. D. Smith, K. W. Brown, R. A. Brechbill*,
K. R. Giles and A. L. Lesperancet
Radiological Research Program
Western Environmental Research Laboratory
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Published May 1972
*U. S. Atomic Energy Commission
Nevada Operations Office
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
tUniversity of Nevada
Max C. Fleischmann College
of Agriculture
Reno, Nevada 89507
This study performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
-------
This report was prepared as an account of work soonsored
by the United States Government. Neither the United States
nor the United States Atomic Energy Commission, nor anv of
their employees, nor any of their contractors, subcon-
tractors, or their employees, makes any warranty, express
or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility
for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any infor-
mation, apparatus, product or process disclosed, or repre-
sents that its use would not infringe privately-owned rights.
Available from the National Technical Information Service,
U.S. Department of Commerce,
Springfield, VA, 22151
Price: paper copy $3.00; microfiche $.95.
J U
-------
SWRHL-llOr
THE RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS AND BOTANICAL
COMPOSITION OF THE DIET OF CATTLE
GRAZING THE AREA 18 RANGE OF THE
NEVADA TEST SITE, 1966-1970
by
D. D. Smith, K. W. Brown, R. A. Brechbill*,
K. R. Giles and A. L. Lesperancet
Radiological Research Program
Western Environmental Research Laboratory
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Published May 1972
*U. S. Atomic Energy Commission
Nevada Operations Office
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
tUniversity of Nevada
Max C. Fleischmann College
of Agriculture
Reno, Nevada 89507
This study performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
-------
ABSTRACT
The radionuclide content and botanical composition of the diet of the
beef animals grazing on the Area 18 range of the Nevada Test Site was
determined by analyzing rumen samples collected from fistulated steers.
The radionuclide concentrations were generally low with oeriodic increases
in individual isotooe levels which could be traced to a snecific contami-
nating event.
Grass exceeded 80% of the diet of 23 out of 43 monthly samoles. Snuirrel
tail grass, Sitanion hystrix and Indian rice grass, Orhyzovsis hymenoides_,
were the major comoonents of this portion of the diet. The major browse
nlants ingested were Gambel's Oak, Querous gccmbelii, and desert bitter
brush, Purshia glandulosa. Russian thistle, Salsola 'kali, and desert
buckwheat, Eriogonum sop. were the main contributors to the forb oortion
of the diet. At tines during the summer months Russian thistle constituted
over 30% of the total diet.
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors wish to exoress their aonreciation to Mr. John T. Titus for
his aid in maintaining the fistulated steers over the four-vear oeriod
of this study. Without his assistance the project could not have been
comnleted.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ii
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
INTRODUCTION 1
PROCEDURES 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 6
1966 6
1967 6
1968 12
1969 and 1970 12
SUMMARY 23
REFERENCES 25
APPENDICES 27
DISTRIBUTION
-------
LIST OF TABLES
Table Pane
1. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents 7
Collected - 1966
2. Botanical Composition by Percent of Foraae 10
Selected by Fistulated Steers Grazing in Area 18
of the Nevada Test Site - 1966
3. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents 11
Collected - 1967
4. Botanical Composition bv Percent of Forage 14
Selected bv Fistulated Steers Grazinn in Area 18
of the Nevada Test Site - 1967
5. Botanical Composition of Rumen Contents 15
Collected - 1968
6. Botanical Composition bv Percent of Foraae 17
Selected bv Fistulated Steers Grazing in Area 18
of the Nevada Test Site 1968
7- padionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents 18
Collected 1969
8. Botanical Composition by Percent of Forage 22
Selected by Fistulated Steers Grazing in Area 18
of the Nevada Test Site - 1969 and 1970
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Area 18, Nevada Test Site, Plant Communities 3
2. Graphic Representation of the Food Habits of 9
Fistulated Steers on Area 18, Nevada Test Site,
1966
3. Grannie Representation of the Food Habits of 13
Fistulated Steers on Area 18, Nevada Test Site,
1967
4. Graphic Representation of the Food Habits of 16
Fistulated Steers on Area 18, Nevada Test Site,
1968
5. Graphic Reoresentation of the Food Habits of 20
Fistulated Steers on Area 18, Nevada Test Site,
1969-1970
-------
INTRODUCTION
The Atomic Energy Commission and the Western Environmental Research
Laboratory of the Environmental Protection Agency have maintained a
herd of beef cattle on the Nevada Test Site (NTS) since 1957. Various
research has been conducted concerning the uptake of radioactive material
by these grazing animalsO»2). However, no Information is available con-
cerning the actual composition of a grazing animal's diet in Area 18, NTS.
In an adjacent area (Delamar Valley) a detailed study^3' was conducted to
determine, among other things, the botanical and chemical composition of the
diet of the grazing animal. In that study little relationship was found
to exist between the botanical composition of the animal's diet and
that found on the range. Data of this nature for the NTS would allow
a more accurate orediction of the plant species the grazing animal
would eat and, thus, lead to a better understanding of its nutritional
intake while on this range.
During 1966 a four-year cooperative study with the University of Nevada,
Reno, was initiated. The objectives of this study were to:
1. determine the botanical composition of the grazing animal's
diet on the NTS,
2. determine the nutritional and radionuclide composition of the
same diet, and
3. relate changes in the composition of the diet to season, and
relate changes in the radionuclide composition of the diet to
nuclear testing and to document yearly variations.
A suitable site for these studies was Area 18 of the NTS which had been
used for atmospheric nuclear testing. Three detonation sites were within
the normal grazing pattern of Area 18. These sites were: Little Feller II,
detonated July 7, 1962; Johnny Bov, detonated July 11, 1962; and Little
Feller I, detonated July 17, 1962. Prior to 1962, numerous atmospheric
-------
tests were conducted adjacent to the grazing area, primarily on the
southern and western edges. The grazing area was also in the fallout
pattern of Project Buggy, A Plowshare cratering experiment detonated
March 12, 1968, and is frequently in the effluent pattern of the nuclear
reactors tested at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station. This area has
a much higher probability of contamination than off-site ranges. The
total area encompasses approximately 13,630 acres and ranges from
4,800 feet to 6,200 feet in elevation. There are five plant communities
which have a total vegetative composition of 15.9% grass, 79.7% browse,
and 4.4% forbs^ '. Plant communities are mapped in Figure 1.
This report presents the data collected on the botanical and radionuclide
composition of the animal's diet. A summary of the nutritional results
will be published as a separate report. A report on the intake and
digestibility of range forages was published previously^ '. Also published
are range and soil surveys of the Area 18 grazing area^ ' .
Note: At the time this study was performed this Laboratory was named
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory and was part of Public
Health Service, Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
-------
PLANT COMMUNITIES
ARTEMISIA ARBUSCULA
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA
DESERT SHRUB
GRAMINEAE
SALSOLA KALI
ERIOGONUM
Figure 1. Area 18, Nevada Test Site, Plant Communities
3
-------
PROCEDURES
Five mature Hereford fistulated steers were obtained from the University
of Nevada, Reno. These animals had a permanent fistula into the rumen.
A cannula with a readily removable plug keeps the fistula patent.
The forage samoles were collected by a four-step rumen evacuation
technique^ ':
1. the hand removal of rumen and reticulum contents via the
fistula, washing of the rumen walls with water, and removal of
wash water,
2. release of animals to graze for a sufficient oeriod of time
for obtaining adequate samples,
3. the removal of grazed forage samples from the rumen,
4. the return of original ingesta to the rumen.
From three to five fistulated steers were placed on the Area 18 ranqe
each month from February 1966 through March 1970. Prior to placement
on the range, the rumen contents were removed. They were then trans-
ported about 60 km to the Area 18 ranqe (qrazina area of the NTS beef
/o\ ' '
herd)v ' where they were allowed to graze for 6 to 10 hours. The
animals were then returned to the Well 3 corrals in Area 6 and forage
samples collected by the rumen evacuation method outlined above.
Following collection, all samples were placed in polyethylene bags
and protected from heat and sunliqht until they were placed in a
freezer. They were kept frozen until analysis.
Individual samples were utilized for botanical analysis and comoosite
samples were utilized for the radionuclide analyses which were nerformed
at the Western Environmental Research Laboratory. Duplicate composite
samples were sent to the University of Nevada, Reno, for nutritional
analysis.
Ouantitative analysis of the rumen content was made for various gamma-
emitting radionuclides and stable potassium. Periodically the rumen
-------
23°
contents were ashed and analyzed for ""Pu. The radionuclides which were
included in the analyses were chosen because of their half-life, their
ease of analysis, and their possible metabolic importance. The minimum
detectable activity (MDA) used in this report is based on laboratory
findinqs or on calculations (Appendix I). Analytical procedures used
/q\
in this studv are described elsewherev . No inferences are drawn from
the radionuclide concentrations in the ruminant inqesta or in tissues as
these have been included in other reports^ '.
The botanical analysis was accomplished by examininq a random aliquot
of the rumen samole with a binocular microscope. The sample was washed
through a fine mesh screen preparatory to examination. After the
species in the sample were identified, a visual estimate of the percentage
of each species was made and recorded^ '. No effort was made to determine
the radionuclide content of individual species. The browse species were
Ml) C\?)
identified accordinq to McMinnv ', forbs according to Abramsv ', and
(13)
grasses according to Hitchcock^ .
-------
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This study was initiated in February of 1966 and concluded in March of
1970. Data presented are tabulated on an annual basis. Discussion of
radionuclide data precedes discussion of botanical data in each case.
Radionuclide results are reported in oCi/g wet weight.
1966
The radionuclide results are tabulated in Table 1. All samples were
below the minimum detectable activity (MDA) for Mn and Ra.
Appendix II lists all announced events which released radioactivity
detected off-site during the study period. The low levels of Zn, Ru,
144
and Ce reported in May and June of 1966 may have come from Pin Stripe
(April 25, 1966), and/or Double Play (June 15, 1966) and/or from an
atmospheric non-U.S. test conducted on May 9, 1966.
As seen in Figure 2, grasses made up over 90% of the diet during the
second guarter of the year. Samples from the February and Mav collections
were not analyzed for botanical content. The results of the other
collections are tabulated in Table 2.
In July, August, and September of 1966, grass in the diet was less than
70% due to the inclusion of comparatively large amounts of forbs:
Russian thistle, Salsola kali, in July and August and Russian thistle
olus desert buckwheat, Eriogonwn spp., in September. The percentage
of grass increased again in October and decreased in November and
December when desert bitterbrush, Purshia glandulosa, made uo 21.5%
and 40% of the diet, respectively.
1967
The radionuclide results from 1967 are tabulated in Table 3. The short-
lived isotopes I and Ba were observed in January and February. The
January levels may have been released by the non-U.S. nuclear test of
December 27, 1966 and/or by the Nash Event on January 19, which released
-------
Table 1. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1966
Date
Collected
24 Feb 66
24 Mar 66
21 Apr 66
29 May 66
23 Jun 66
21 Jul 66
25 Auq 66
Area
Collected
and Remarks
5 miles SW
Well 8, Area
18. Composite
4 samples.
5 miles SW
Well 8, Area
18. Composite
4 samples.
5 miles SW
Well 8, Area
18. Composite
3 samoles.
Jet. of Air-
port and
Buckboard
Mesa Roads.
Comoosite
4 samples.
2 miles N
of Jet. of
Pahute Mesa
Road and
Airport Road.
Comoosite
3 samples.
2 miles N
of Jet. of
Pahute Mesa
Road and
Airport Road.
Composite
3 samples.
2 miles N
of Jet. of
Pahute Mesa
Road and
Airport Road.
Composite
4 samples.
K 65Zn 95Zr 106Ru 131I 137Cs 144Ce 239Pu
q/q nCi/q pCi/q pCi/q oCi/q oCi/g oCi/q pCi/q
0.002 <1.0 <0.1 1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
±.0001 ±1
0.001 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 0.2 <1.0 NA
±.0001 ±0.1
0.001 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
±.0001
0.002 3.5 <0.1 1.5 <0.1 <0.1 2.3 NA
±.0001 ±1.0 ±1.0 +1.0
0.002 3.4 <0.1 1.7 <0.1 <0.1 2.7 NA
±.0001 ±1.0 ±1 .0 +1 .0
0.002 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
±.0001
0.002 <1.0 0.5 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1 0 NA
±.0001 ±0.1
-------
Table 1. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1966 cont'd
Date
Collected
22 Sep 66
19 Oct 66
23 Nov 66
22 Dec 66
Area
Collected
and Remarks
1/2 mile N
of runway.
Composite
4 samples.
1/2 mile N
of runway.
Composite
4 samples.
North end
of Area 18
airport.
Composite
3 samples.
North end
of Area 18
airport.
Composite
3 samples.
K 65Zn
q/g pCi/q
0.001 <1.0
±.0001
0.001 <1.0
±.0001
0.002 <1.0
±.0001
0.002 <1.0
±.0001
95Zf
pCi/g
0.1
±0.1
0.2
±0.1
0.5
±0.1
0.7
±0.1
1 DF, 111 1 ?7 1 44~ ??Q
MORu IJII IJ/Cs '^Ce "yPi,
oCi/g oCi/q nCi/g oCi/g pCi/q
<1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 0.01
<1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 0.01
<1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 0.003
<1.0 <0.1 0.3 <1.0 0.07
±0.1
M.A. = Not analyzed.
-------
100
l-
ui
5
u
at
1^^
-~ if"! i '
MAR. APR.
JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
Figure 2. Graphic Representation of the Food Habits of Fistulated Steers
on Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1966 (No Food Habit Analysis in May)
9
-------
Table 2. Botanical Composition by Percent of Forage Selected by Fistulated
Steers Grazing in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site - 1966
Plant Snecies
March
Aoril
June
July
Auqust
Sentember October
November
Hecember
humenoides
Sitanion hystfix
Bromuz tectomm
Stina sreaiosa.
Elymus cinereus
Hilaria iamesii
Other
Total arass
Purshio glandulosa
Grai/ia srinosa
Quercus gambelii
Evhedra nevadensis
Evhedra viridis
Other
Total browse
Salsola kali
Eriogomm son.
Other
Total forbs
3P.5
50.8
1.5
1.2
0.2
93.2
0.5
0.5
6.3
6.3
2.0
45.7
22.0
9.0
14.0
92.7
2.7
2.7
0.3
4.3
4.6
21.3
41.6
8.6
0.5
25.3
97.3
0.4
0.4
2.3
2.3
25.0
26.7
1.0
12.0
2.3
67.0
0.3
0.3
32.7
32.7
18.5
45.5
0.5
64.5
0.5
0.5
2Q.O
5.8
0.2
35.0
57,0
9.7
1.7
68.4
2.3
0.3
2.6
11.7
17.3
?9.0
46.5
13.8
0.2
24.5
0.8
0.8
2.2
88.8
2.2
3.8
6.0
1.2
3.5
0.5
5.2
7.5
11.5
14.0
6.0
39. 0
21.5
8.5
3.0
33.0
24.0
4.0
28.0
26.5
4.5
1.0
0.5
32.5
40.0
4.5
44.5
1.5
20.0
1.5
23.0
-------
Table 3. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1967
Date Collated K 54Mn 65Zn 95Zr 106Ru '31I 137Cs 140Ba 144Ce
Collected and Remarks g/q pCi/g pCi/g pCi/g pCi/q pCi/g pCi/q pCi/g pd'/g
25 Jan 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 0.9 3.6 0.8 <0.1 <1.0 6.6
Composite ±.0001 ±0.1 ±1.0 ±0.1 ±1.0
4 samples.
28 Feb 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 2.6 3.7 1.0 <0.1 0.5 60
Composite +.0001 ±0.2 ±1.0 ±0.1 ±0.1 ±6.0
4 samples
24 Mar 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.003 <0.1 <10 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 1.3
Composite ±.0001 ±1.0
4 samples.
20 Apr 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 0.1 <1.0 0.6 <1.0 <0.1 0.2 <0.1 1.6
Composite ±.0001 ±0.1 ±0.1 ±0.1 ±1.0
4 samples.
26 May 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0
Composite ±.0001
4 samples.
11 ,Jun 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 0.4 <0.1 <1.0
Composite +.0001 ±0.1
5 samples.
No samples collected in July
2 Aug 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0
Composite ±.0001
4 samples.
28 Sep 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 0.2 <1.0 <0.1 0.2 <0.1 <1.0
Composite ±.0005 ±0.04 ±0.05
4 samples.
27 Oct 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 0.1 0.5 <1.0 <0.1 0.2 <0.1 <1.0
Composite ±.0005 ±0.07 ±0.05 ±0.05
4 samples.
30 Nov 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 0.2 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1
Composite ±.0007 ±0.05
4 samples.
27 Dec 67 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0
Composite ±.0005
4 samples.
11
-------
minimal levels of activity (see Appendix II). The February levels probably
resulted from effluent from the Phoebus IB tests of February 10 and 23
239
(see Appendix III). Only the January sample was analyzed for Pu.
In 1967, grass exceeded 80% of the diet from January through July
(Figure 3). In August, Russian thistle was 77% of the grazed forage
(Table 4). During September and November grass again constituted the
greatest part of the diet. However, in December grass levels decreased
with the inclusion of over 60% browse.
1968
Samples were not collected in January. The fallout pattern of Project
Buggv I (March 12, 1968), a Plowshare cratering experiment, fell across the
' " 95
Area 18 range. Samples of March and April revealed the presence of Zr,
1311, 137Cs, 14nBa, and 144Ce (see Table 5) which probably came from this
95
experiment. The Zr levels persisted for most of the year. The December
collection following contamination by Project Schooner (December 8, 1968),
a Plowshare cratering experiment, also showed the same isotopes.
In 1968 grass exceeded 80% of the diet for six of the ten months sampled
(Figure 4). During February and September browse constituted slightlv
more than 30% of the diet. Comparatively large amounts of Russian thistle
were found in August and October, 32% and 48%, respectively (Table 6).
1969 and 1970
Table 7 lists the isotooes found in samples collected during 1969 and
Januarv and February of 1970. No samples were collected in February of
1969. All samples were below the MD^ for 54Mn and 131I. Samples
collected during the first quarter had detectable levels of ""^6Ru,
Cs, and Ce. Zirconium-95 and |O°RU were detected periodically
the rest of the year. Appendix II lists the events reported to have released
activity during the period of this report.
During 1969 and 1970, grass exceeded 80% of the diet from January through
May (Figure 5). In June, July, August, and October, Russian thistle
constituted 21.1%, 52.3%, 87.6%, and 23% of the diet, respectively. nurinn
12
-------
100
80
60
Ill
5
u.
o
ui
O
2
ui
U
40
20
. ' 'l ii u I i l1'.'
111'! I 'i ' ' ' l. I ' ' ! i -i 'V '
PJi-ii'.'.^-..!.^..^!^!'-!;.^.'.'..'.--)-:!'.1.]
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR, MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT.
NOV. DEC.
Figure 3. Graphic Representation of the Food Habits of Fistulated Steers
on Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1967 (No Food Habit Analysis in October)
13
-------
Table 4. Botanical Composition by Percent of Forage Selected by Fistulated
Steers Grazing in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site - 1967
Plant Species
January
February March
Aoril
Mav
June Ju1v Auqust Seotember November December
Total forbs
15.8
63.2
19.3
0.1
98.4
0.6
0.2
0.8
0.8
0.8
12.0
30.5 1
57.5 78
4
100.0 83
0
0
0
1
15
15
.2
.0
.3
.5
.8
.2
.2
.2
.3
.3
5.5
1 .2
87.5
94.2
2.2
1.3
3.5
2.0
0.3
2.3
9.0
2.3
79.5
5.0
95.8
0.2
n.2
0.5
3.5
4.n
5
35
48
0
2
5
0
100
.8
.5
.9
.9
.5
.6
.8
.0
20.8
34.8
1.2
37.0
2.7
96.5
2.2
0.3
2.5
1.0
1.0
9.1
6.2
1.5
1.8
3.2
21.8
0.3
0.1
0.4
77.8
77.8
20.8
15.8
0.5
6.5
53.0
1.2
97.8
1.5
1.5
0.5
0.2
0.7
53.0
39.5
7.0
99.5
0.2
0.3
0.5
11.2
6.8
9.8
37.8
12.2
44.2
4.8
61.2 ,
0.2
0.8
1.0
-------
Table 5. Botanical Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1968
Date Collated K 54Mn 95Zr 106Ru 131I 137Cs 140Ba 144Ce 239Pu
Collected and Remarks g/g pCi/g pCi/g pCi/q oCi/g pCi/q pCi/q pCi/q pCi/q
January samples not collected
21 Feb 68 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 <0.1 0.2 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
Composite ±.0008 ±0.06
4 samples.
28 Mar 68 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 <0.1 0.3 <1.0 0.3 0.2 0.2 1.7 NA
Composite ±.0008 ±0.05 ±0.05 ±0.05 ±0.02 ±0.4
4 samples.
17 Apr 68 North end of 0.005<0.1 0.2 <1.0 0.4 0.2 0.2 2.3 NA
Cat Canyon. ±.0007 ±0.05 ±0.07 ±0.05 ±0.03 ±0.4
Composite
4 samples.
23 May 68 North end of 0.002 <0.1 0.4 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 0.02
Cat Canyon. ±.001 ±0.07
Composite
4 samples.
3 Jul 68 Well 8 canyon. <0.1 0.2 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
Composite ±0.06
4 samples.
25 Jul 68 Sample was lost.
21 Aug 68 Well 8 canyon. 0.003<0.1 0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 -1.0 NA
Composite ±.0006 ±0.05
4 samples.
26 Sep 68 Well 8 canyon. 0.001 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
Composite ±.0006
3 samples.
27 Oct 68 Well 8 canyon. 0.002<0.1 0.3 1.8 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
Composite ±.001 ±0.1 ±1.1
4 samples.
27 Nov 68 Well 8 canyon. <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA
Composite
3 samples
26 Dec 68 Well 8 canyon. 2.0 <0.1 2.2 3.0 1.3 1.9 <1.0 NA
Composite ±0.6 ±1.5 ±0.1 ±1.1 ±0.6
3 samples.
N.A. = Not analyzed. ~
15
-------
100
Q
u.
O
'! li'-'i}1 I Y
'!|- !'
FEB. MAR. APR. MAY
JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.
Figure 4. Graphic Representation of the Food Habits of Fistulated Steers
on Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1968 (No Food Habit Analysis in June)
16
-------
Table 6. Botanical Composition by Percent of Forage Selected by Fistulated
Steers Grazing in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site - 1968
Plant Species February
Orhyzopsis hymenoides 1 .3
Sitanion hystrix 36.1
Bromus teotomm 0.3
Stipa speoiosa
Elymus cinereus 26.3
Hilaria jamesii
Other
Total grass 64.0
larch
3.0
96.0
1.0
00.0
Apri 1
2.3
5.1
85.7
0.2
6.7
100.0
May
35.0
9.7
5.7
44.7
4.3
99.4
July
2.2
56.3
0.3
9.2
31.8
99.8
August
1.0
46.0
21.0
68.0
September
5.3
2.1
16.6
38.3
62.3
October
6.0
33.0
9.0
48.0
Noveml
51.0
5.7
2.7
2.0
25.0
6.3
92.7
December
3.0
69.0
4.6
7.0
0.3
83.9
Purshia glandulosa 26.1
Grayia spinosa
Quercus garribel-ii
Ephedra nevadensis 4.6
Ephedra viridis
Other
Total browse 30.7
0.7
0.2
0.2
32,1
32.1
4.0
4.0
0.7
0.6
7.7
8.3
Sal-sola kali
Eriogonum spp.
Other
Total forbs
5.3
5.3
0.6
0.6
32.0
32.0
5.6
5.6
48.0
48.0
6.6
6.6
7.8
7.8
-------
Table 7. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1969
"^ Collated K 95Zr 106Ru 137Cs 140Ba 144Ce 181W
Collected and Remarks g/g . pCi/g pCi/g pCi/g pCi/g pd'/g pCi/g pd'/g
23 Jan 69 Well 8 canyon 0.004 <0.1 <1.0 0.2 0.2 3.7 NA NA
Composite +.0007 ±0.01 ±0.05 ±0.5
3 samoles.
6 Mar 69 2 miles south 0.001 0.2 1.7 <0.1 0.1 2.0 NA NA
of Pahute air- ±.0006 ±0.05 ±0.5 ±0.05 ±0.4
port.
Composite
3 samples.
27 Mar 69 2 miles south 0.004 <0.1 1.5 0.2 <0.1 1.1 NA NA
of Pahute air- ±.0005 ±0.3 ±0.03 ±0.3
port.
Composite
2 samples
24 Apr 69 Well 8 canyon. <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1 .0 NA NA
Composite
3 samples.
28 May 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 0.2 1.3 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA NA
Composite +.0006 ±0.05 ±0.5
3 samples.
25 Jun 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.003 0.5 2.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA NA
Composite ±.001 ±0.08 ±0.8
3 samples.
31 Jul 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.003 0.3 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA NA
Composite ±.0008 ±0.06
3 samples.
18 Aug 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 0.2 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA 2.1
Composite ±.001 ±0.07 +CK4
3 samples.
25 Sep 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA NA
Composite ±.0007
3 samples.
23 Oct 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.004 0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA 1 3
Composite ±.0006 ±0.04 ' ' +0^3
3 samples.
26 Nov 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA 22
Composite +.0005 ' ' +2
3 samples.
18
-------
Table 7. Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1969 cont'd
~^t Coneaed K95Zr 106Ru 137Cs '40Ba 144Ce 181W
Collected and Remarks g/g pCi/g pCi/g pCi/g pCi/g pd'/g pd'/g pCi/g
10 Dec 69 Well 8 canyon. 0.002 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA NA
Composite ±.0005
2 samples.
Radionuclide Composition of Rumen Contents Collected - 1970
22 Jan 70 Well 8 canyon. 0.003 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 NA NA
Composite
2 samples.
1 Mar 70 2 miles south 0.001 <0.1 <1.0 <0.1 <0.1 <1.0 0.5 NA
of Buckboard
Mesa.
A. = Not analyzed.
19
-------
100
0
/ ' " I
/ii'
I M *. I I : il II'-
iifi, 11 \!
h W 'i
' hi il V' i"
i' H'lH'
i<
I' h' ' I!1''Hi
- > li : il. :: -i 'li'l ill i!..
JAN.
MAR
Figure 5. Graphic Representation of the Food Habits of Fistulated Steers
on Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1969-1970 (No Food Habit Analyses in February)
20
-------
September, November, and December the grass was less than 70%. This is
due to the inclusion of Gambel's oak in September and December, and
mountain joint fir, Ephedra viridis, and desert bitterbrush in November
(Table 8). In January of 1970, browse constituted over 60% and forbs 19%
of the diet. The two dominant species included Mormon tea, Ephedra
nevadensis, and Russian thistle. During February, Russian thistle
constituted over 60% of the diet.
21
-------
Table 8. Botanical Composition by Percent of Forage Selected by Fistulated
Steers Grazing in Area 18 of the Nevada Test Site - 1969 and 1970
r\j
Plant Soecies
Orhysopsis hymeno-ides
Sitanion hi/strix
Bromus tectonm
Stiva sveciosa
Eli/mus ainereus
Bilaria fiamssii
Other
Total grass
Purshia glandulosa
Crania svinosa
Onerous gambelii
Enhedra nevadensis
Evhedra viridis
Other
Total browse
Salsola kali
Eriogonim son.
Other
Total forbs
January
4.3
66.3
4.6
5.3
80.5
3.0
6.3
9.3
10.2
10.2
March April May
9.1 0.4 0.3
23.8 0.3 0.3
41.6
61.1 13.7
99.3 40.4
94.0 100.0 96.3
5.8
0.2
6.0
3.7
3.7
June
0.3
28.7
12.3
6.0
24.0
7.3
78.6
21.1
0.3
21.4
July
1.4
0.2
0.7
27.8
17.6
47.7
52.3
52.3
Auoust
8.0
1.0
9.0
3.1
3.1
87.6
0.3
87. Q
September
5.3
2.0
16.6
38.3
62.2
32.2
32.2
5.6
5.6
October
1.0
0.6
62.5
1.3
65.4
11.6
11.6
23.0
23.0
November
30.0
10.0
0.5
40.5
20.5
38.0
58.5
1.0
1.0
December
13.5
9.0
1.0
23.5
2.5
74.0
76.5
January
5.3
12.3
0.7
1.1
19.4
1.7
13.3
46.6
61.6
19.0
19.0
March
15.7
9.3
5.3
1.0
31.3
8.1
0.3
8.4
60.3
60.3
-------
SUMMARY
As observed from tables in this reoort, the radionuclide concentrations
of the rumen samples both from world-wide fallout and from NTS events
were either below the MDA or are of verv low magnitude. Twice yearly six
beef animals are selected from the herd that grazes this area the year round
and are sacrificed; selected tissues are analyzed for radionuclide
content and are examined for macro- and micro-pathology^ ' '. No pathology
has been found that can be attributed to radiation.
Detectable levels of 95Zr, 106Ru, 140Ba, and 144Ce were usually found
in samples collected during the late soring and earlv summer. Levels
of Ru and Zr persisted into the fall. Samples collected following
a contaminating event usually showed I and Ba.
OOQ
The November 26, 1969, value for Pu of 22 nCi/a is questionable but
could be the result of ingestion of a single particle by the grazing
animal.
Generally, the major portion of the diet was grass, which exceeded 80% in
23 of the 43 monthly samoles (Figures 1 to 4). Appendix IV lists all
species of plants found in rumen samples during the period of this report.
Sguirrel tail grass, Sitanion hystrix, and Indian rice grass, Ovyzopsis
htimenoides, either singly or in combination, were the two grasses which
made up the major portion of the grasses ingested. Gall eta grass,
jamesii, the dominant grass in Area 18, appeared in large amounts in
June 1966 (25.3%); July 1967 (37%); July, August, and Seotember 1968
(31.8%, 21%, and 38.3%, respectively) and in Seotember 1969 (38.3%).
Desert bitterbrush, Purshia glandulosa, and Gambel's oak, Quevous
gcmbelii, were the principal browse species during most months. The
greatest period of browse ingestion occurred during the months of
November and December.
23
-------
Russian thistle, Salsola kali, and desert buckwheat, Eriogonum spp., were
the only forbs to exceed 2% of the total diet during any month. Desert
buckwheat was found in small amounts rather consistently over the monthly
oeriods while Russian thistle occurred mainly in the summer, especially
during the month of August, when it made up 30 to 70% of the diet.
24
-------
REFERENCES
1. Fountain, E. L. Off-site Animal Investigation Pro.ject. Fourth Annual
Report. U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Las Vegas, Nevada. .June 1%1.
2. Smith, D. D. and K. R. Giles. Animal Investigation Program 1969 Annual
Report. SWRHL-102r. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory,
Las Vegas, Nevada. August 1970.
3. Connor J. M., V. R. Bohman, A. L. Lesperance, and F. E. Finsinger.
Nutritive evaluation of summer range forage with cattle. J. Animal
Scl. 22:961. 1963.
4. 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, American
Society of Animal Science, Vol. 19. 1968.
5. Brown, K. W. and B. J. Mason. Range Survey, Area 18, Nevada Test
Site. SWRHL-52. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory,
Las Vegas, Nevada. 1968.
6. Leavitt, V. D. Soil Survey Area 18 Range. SWRHL-74r. Southwestern
Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. July 1970.
7. Lesperance, A. L., V. R. Bohman, and D. VI. Marble. Development of
techniques for evaluating grazing forage. J. Dairy Sci. 43:682.
1960.
8. Smith, D. D. Management History of the AEC Beef Herd 1 June 1964 -
1 June 1969. SWRHL-80r. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratorv,
Las Vegas, Nevada. March 1970.
9. Johns, F. B. Handbook of Radiochemical Analytical Methods. SWRHL-11.
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Venas, Nevada.
February 1970.
10. Leach, H. R. Food Habits of the Great Basin Deer Herds of California.
California Fish and Game, No. 4, Vol. 42. October 1956.
11. McMinn, H. E. An Illustrated Manual of California Shrubs. University
of California Press. Los Angeles, California. 1964.
12. Abrams, L. Illustrated Flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University
Press. Vol 2,3. Palo Alto, California. 1964.
25
-------
13. Hitchcock, A. S. Manual of the Grasses of the United States. United
States Government Printing Office, Washinaton, D. C. 1950.
14. Grossman, R. F. Summary of Hyoothetical Whole Bodv Gamma Exoosures
and Infant Thyroid Doses Resulting Off-site from Project Rover Nuclear
Reactor/Engine Tests at the Nuclear Rocket Develooment Station.
SWRHL-92r. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Veaas,
Nevada. August 1970.
26
-------
APPENDICES
APPENDIX Page
I. Minimum Detectable Activities by Gamma 28
Spectroscopv of Selected Radionuclides
II. Nuclear Events that Released Radioactivity into 29
the Atmosphere which was Detected Off NTS -
February 1966 - February 1970
III. Tests at the Nuclear Rocket Development 30
Station which Released Radioactivity Detectable
off the Nevada Test Site
IV. Botanical and Common Names of Range Plants Found 31
in Fistulated Steer Rumen Samples 1966-1970
27
-------
APPENDIX I. Minimum Detectable Activities by Gamma Spectroscony
of Selected Radionuclides
pCi total sample
40-min. count
Planchet 400 ml 3.5 liter
Radionuclide
10-min. count
Planchet
»-Ce
14Q Da
1 3 "7pc
131!
106Ru
95Zr
65Zn
5"Mn
K*
250
25
25
25
250
25
250
25
0.3
400
40
40
40
400
40
400
40
0.4
350
35
35
35
350
35
350
35
0.4
500
50
50
50
500
50
500
50
0.5
*grams of potassium
The minimum detectable activities (MDA's) are expressed in terms of total
activity per sample for the standard geometries and counting times used
at this laboratory. These values are applicable to ideal conditions and
simple complexes of nuclides. Complex spectra or spectra showing fresh
fallout contamination can raise the MDA's considerably.
The values are based on a combination of a number of technical experiments
and operational experience. The MDA is defined by means of experimentation
as that activity which Droduces 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.
28
-------
APPENDIX II.
Nuclear Events that Released Radioactivity into the
Atmosphere which was Detected Off NTS - February 1966
February 1970
Date
Event
Location
Remarks
03/05/66 Red Hot
Tunnel-NTS
04/25/66 Pin Strine NT?
05/09/66
06/15/66 Double Play Tunnel-NTS
09/12/66 Derringer NTS
10/27/66
12/27/66
01/19/67 Nash
06/29/67 Umber
NTS
NTS
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
Non-U.S. atmospheric. Lower end of
intermediate ranae.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
08/31/67 Door Mist Tunnel-NTS
12/24/67
01/18/68 Hupmobile NTS
01/26/68 Cabriolet Pahute Mesa, NTS
03/12/68 Buggy I Area 30, NTS
12/08/68 Schooner Pahute Mesa, NTS
12/27/68
10/29/69 Pod
NTS
Non-U.S. atmospheric test.
low/intermediate.
Low-
Non-U.S. atmospheric test of a few
hundred kt.
20-200 kilotons. Minor levels of
radioactivity detected off-site.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
Non-U.S. atmospheric test of
low power.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
Plowshare cratering experiment.
Plowshare. Row charge cratering
experiment with 5 simultaneous
detonations.
Plowshare. Low intermediate
cratering experiment.
Non-U.S. atmospheric test. About
3 megatons.
Minor levels of radioactivity
detected off-site.
29
-------
APPENDIX III.
Tests at the Nuclear Rocket Development Station which
Released Radioactivity Detectable off the Nevada Test
Reactor/Engine
NRX-A4/EST
NRX-A5
Phoebus IB
MRX-A6
Phoebus 2A
Pewee 1
XE Prime
Experimental Plan
IIB
III
IV
IVA
III
IV
III
IV
IIIA
III
IV
V
III
VC
IXA
Date
02/03/66
03/03/66
03/16/66
03/25/66
06/08/66
06/23/66
02/10/67
02/23/67
12/15/67
06/08/68
06/26/68
07/18/68
12/04/68
06/11/69
08/28/69
30
-------
APPENDIX IV.
Botanical and Common Names of Range Plants Found in
Fistulated Steer Rumen Samples 1966-1970
Botanical Name
Common Name
Grasses
Bromus teotorum
Bromus rubens
Elyrnus ainereus
Hilaria jamesii
Poa spo.
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Sitanion hystrix
Stipa sveoiosa
cheat grass
red brome grass
basin wild rve
galleta grass
blue qrass
Indian rice grass
squirrel tail grass
desert needle grass
Forbs
Abronia SOD.
Amsinakia SDD.
Astragalus snp.
Chenopodium fremontii
Chenopodium spr).
Descurain-ia pinnata
Eriogonwn spo.
Eriogonum umbellatwn
Erodiwn cioutarium
Euphorbia SDP.
Linum perenne
Phlox SDO.
Physaria SPD.
Salsola kali.
Svhaeralcea gvossulariaefolia
verbena
fiddleneck
locoweed
Fremont's goosefoot
goosefoot
tansv mustard
desert buckwheat
sulphur-flowered erioaonum
desert heron's bill
spurge
flax
phlox
bladder ood
Russian thistle
desert mallow
Browse
Artemisia arbuscula
Artemisia tridentata
Atriplex canesaens
Ephedra nevadensis
E-phedra viridis
Eurotia lanata
Grayia spinosa
Juniperus osteosperma
Purshia glandulosa
Queraus gambelii
black sagebrush
biq sagebrush
four-winaed saltbush
Mormon tea
mountain joint-fir
winter fat
spiny hon-sage
.iuniper
desert bitterbrush
Gambel's oak
31
-------
DISTRIBUTION
1 - 20 WERL, Las Vegas, Nevada
21 Robert E. Miller, Manager, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
22 Robert H. Thalgott, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
23 Thomas H. Blankenship, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
24 Henry G. Vermin ion, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
25 Donald W. Hendricks, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
26 Elwood M. Douthett, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
27 Jared J. Davis, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
28 Ernest D. Campbell, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
29 - 30 Technical Library, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
31 Chief, NOB/DNA, NVOO/AEC, Las Vegas, Nevada
32 Joseph 0. DiNunno, Office of Environmental Affairs, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
33 Martin B. Biles, DOS, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
34 Roy D. Maxwell, DOS, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
35 Assistant General Manager, DMA, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
36 Gordon C. Facer, DMA, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
37 John S. Kelly, DPNE, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
38 Fred J. Clark, Jr., DPNE, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
39 John R. Totter, DBM, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
40 John S. Kirby-Smith, DBM, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
41 L. Joe Deal, DBM, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
42 Charles L. Osterberg, DBM, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
43 Rudolf J. Engelmann, DBM, USAEC, Washington, D.C.
44 Harold F. Mueller, ARL/NOAA, Las Vegas, Nevada
45 Gilbert J. Ferber, ARL/NOAA, Silver Spring, Maryland
46 Stanley M. Greenfield, Assistant Administrator for Research & Monitoring,
EPA, Washington, D.C.
47 Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Radiation Programs,
EPA, Rockville, Maryland
48 Paul C. Tompkins, Act. Dir., Div. of Criteria & Standards, Office of
Radiation Programs, EPA, Rockville, Maryland
49 - 50 Charles L. Weaver, Act. Dir., Div. of Surveillance & Inspection,
Office of Radiation Programs, EPA, Rockville, Maryland
51 Ernest D. Harward, Act. Dir., Div. of Technology Assessment, Office of
Radiation Programs, EPA, Rockville, Maryland
-------
Distribution (continued)
52 Acting Dir., Twinbrook Research Laboratory, EPA, Rockville, Maryland
53 Gordon Everett, Dir., Office of Technical Analysis, EPA, Washington, D.C.
54 Library, EPA, Washington, D.C.
55 Bernd Kahn, Chief, Radiochemistry & Nuclear Engineering, NERC, EPA,
Cincinnati, Ohio
56 Regional Admin., Region IX, EPA, San Francisco, California
57 Eastern Environmental Radiation Laboratory, EPA, Montgomery, Alabama
58 William C. King, LLL, Mercury, Nevada
59 Bernard W. Shore, LLL, Livermore, California
60 James E. Carothers, LLL, Livermore, California
61 Roger E. Batzel, LLL, Livermore, California
62 Howard A. Tewes, LLL, Livermore, California
63 Lawrence S. Germain, LLL, Livermore, California
64 Paul L. Phelps, LLL, Livermore, California
65 William E. Ogle, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
66 Harry J. Otway, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
67 George E. Tucker, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
68 Wright H. Langham, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
69 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
70 Arden E. Bicker, REECo., Mercury, Nevada
71 Clinton S. Maupin, REECo., Mercury, Nevada
72 Charles F. Bild, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
73 Melvin L. Merritt, Sandia Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico
74 Richard S. Davidson, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio
75 R. Glen Fuller, Battelle Memorial Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada
76 Steven V. Kaye, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, Tenneessee
77 Leo K. Bustad, University of California, Davis, California
78 Leonard A. Sagan, Palo Alto Medical Clinic, Palo Alto, California
79 Vincent Schultz, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
80 Arthur Wallace, University of California, Los Angeles, California
81 Wesley E. Niles, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
82 Robert C. Pendleton, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
83 William S. Twenhofel, U. S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado
84 Paul R. Fenske, Desert Research Institute, University of Nevada,
Reno, Nevada
85 John M. Ward, President, Desert Research Institute, University of
Nevada, Reno, Nevada
86 - 87 Technical Information Center, USAEC, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (for
public availability)
------- |