EMSL-LV-0539-26
ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM 1977 ANNUAL REPORT:
NEVADA TEST SITE AND VICINITY
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
July 1979
Prepared under
Memorandum of Understanding
No. EY-76-A-08-0539
for the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
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EMSL-LV-0539-26
ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM 1977 ANNUAL REPORT:
NEVADA TEST SITE AND VICINITY
by
D. D. Smith, A. B. Crockett, D. E. Bernhardt,
K. R. Giles, and R. R. Kinnison
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
July 1979
Prepared under
Memorandum of Understanding
No. EY-76-A-08-0539
for the
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
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ABSTRACT
Data are presented from the radioanalysis of tissues collected from
cattle, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, rabbits, feral horses, and other
wildlife that resided on or near the Nevada Test Site during 1977. Routine
activities and special investigations of the Animal Investigation Program are
also discussed.
Other than the naturally occurring potassium-40, gamma—emitting
radionuclides were detected infrequently with the exception of short-lived
radionuclides found in samples from animals collected after September 21 (the
date of a nuclear test by the People’s Republic of China).
Strontium-90 concentrations in bones from deer, cattle, and desert bighorn
sheep continued the downward trend of recent years. Tritium concentrations
were generally within expected enviroriiiental limits with the exception of
animals exposed to sources of contamination, e.g., Sedan Crater, drainage
ponds from Area 12 tunnels. Radionuclide tissue concentrations were generally
higher in the tissues of animals residing in Area 15 than in similar animals
collected from other Nevada Test Site areas.
Statistical analyses were made of plutoniurn-239 levels reported in cattle
tissue collected from 1971 through 1977. These data are displayed graphically
and reveal that activity levels in lungs, liver, and bone are significantly
related to the age of the cattle. Activity levels did not change
significantly in the ingesta and lungs during this time period but did tend to
increase for bone and liver. Activity levels in the irigesta are significantly
higher in the fall than in the spring.
Hypothetical dose estimates to man were calculated on the basis of the
daily consumption of 0.5 kilogram of liver or muscle from animals that
contained peak radionuclide levels. The highest postulated dose was 8.6
millirems for tritium in tissues from a mule deer. This dose is about 2
percent of the 500 millirems per year radiation protection standard for
individuals in the general population. All other postulated doses for
consumption of the tissue containing other radionuclides are about 0.1 percent
or less of this guide.
The movements of 17 mule deer outfitted with collars containing a
radiotransmitter unit were monitored on a weekly basis. During the winter
months, all deer left their summer range on the mesas of the Nevada Test Site
and migrated 40 to 60 kilometers south and west to Timber Mountain or south to
Shoshone Mountain. Three of the animals left the Nevada Test Site in the
Beatty Wash area.
111
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A statistical estimate was made of the Nevada Test Site deer population in
selected areas utilizing the marked deer as a basis for this estimate. These
estimates were 82 deer in the Echo Peak area, 32 in the Dead Horse Flats area,
10 in Area 20, and 43 in the Rainier Mesa area.
No gross or microscopic lesions were found in necropsied animals that
could be directly attributed to the effects of ionizing radiation.
iv
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CONTENTS
Abstract • • • • • • • • • • •
Figures
Tables , , , • • vii
Introduction . . . • • • 1
Sample Collection . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Analytical Procedures and Methods 11
Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . 14
Nevada Test Site Cattle 14
Statistical Analyses of Plutonium-239 Activities
in Cattle Tissues 1971 — 1977 . . . 17
Nevada Test Site Mule Deer. . . . . 27
DesertBighorn Sheep 28
Nevada Test Site Coyotes 29
Nevada Test Site Rabbits . 30
Area l8Rabbits. . . . 30
Area 15 Rabbits 31
Other Nevada Test Site Wildlife . • • • • . • 31
NevadaTestSiteWaters 32
Necropsy and Histopathological Examinations . 32
Hypothetical Dose Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Other Activities 37
Area 18 Beef Herd 37
Deer Migration Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Nevada Test Site Mule Deer Population Estimates . . . . . 40
Investigations and Other Studies . . . . 40
Public Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • • • • • 41
References. . 42
Appendixes . 46
Distribution
V
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FIGURES
Number Page
1 Location of sampling sites and facilities on the Nevada
Test Site. . • • • . . 4
2 Approximate collection sites of 1977 desert bighorn sheep . . . 10
3 Annual averages of Sr in bones of cattle, deer, and desert
bighorn sheep 1956—1977. . . . . . . . . . 15
4 Linear regression of in 90 Pu activity in beef cattle lung
vs. year of sample collection with in means and 95 percent
confidence intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5 Linear regression of 239 Pu activity in beef cattle lung
vs. animal age . . . 20
6 Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle bone
vs. year of collection with means and 95 percent confidence
intervals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7 Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle
bone vs. animal age. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8 Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle liver
vs. year of sample collection with means and 95 percent
confidence intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
9 Linear regression of ln 239 Pu activity in beef cattle liver
vs. animal age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
10 Plot of in means and 95 percent confidence intervals for
239 Pu activity in ingesta of beef cattle, spring and fall
data . . . . . . . . . 26
11 1977 Nevada Test Site mule deer migration areas . . 39
vi
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TABLES
Table Page
1 Sampling information for Nevada Test Site cattle, 1977. . 3
2 Sampling information for Nevada Test Site wildlife, 1977. 5
3 Sampling information for desert bighorn sheep, 1977 . . . 8
4 Quality assurance results 12
5 Median values of plutonium concentrations in selected
tissues from Nevada Test Site beef cattle. . . . . . . . . . 16
6 Median values of plutonium concentrations in 1977 Nevada
Test Site deer tissues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7 Median values of plutonium concentrations in 1977 desert
bighorn sheep tissues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
8 Median values of plutonium concentrations in 1977 Nevada
Test Site rabbit tissues . . . . . 31
9 Tritium and gamma analyses of samples from Nevada Test
Site springs, 1977 32
10 Summary of peak radionuclide concentrations in selected
tissues from Nevada Test Site cattle and mule deer, 1977 34
11 Postulated dose to man following ingestion of selected
tissues for 1 year, 1977 . 36
12 Deer population estimates by the Lincoln index method . . 41
vii
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INTRODUCTION
Since 1964, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory has conducted the Animal Investigation
Program for the U.S. Department of Energy and its predecessor agencies.
Previous reports (Fountain 1961; Smith and Giles, 1970, 1974, and 1975; and
Smith et al., 1976, 1977a, 1977b, 1978a, and 1978b) have detailed the history,
evolution, and accomplishments of the Animal Investigation Program since its
inception in 1957. During 1977, the basic objectives of this program remained
as follows:
1. To conduct surveillance of domestic and wild animals on and around
the Nevada Test Site to assess the radionuclide burden present in
their tissues and to detect pathological effects from the burdens.
2. To investigate alleged damage to domestic animals and wildlife
resulting from the nuclear testing activities of the Nevada
Operations Office of the U.S. Department of Energy.
3. To maintain public relations through education and veterinary advice
to the off—site population.
4. To conduct special ad hoc investigations.
Progress in achieving these objectives and summaries of the data collected
during 1977 are presented in this report.
1
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SAMPLE COLLECTION
Animals sampled during 1977 included cattle, mule deer, rabbits, coyotes,
eagles, a mountain lion, and a feral horse from the Nevada Test Site, and
desert bighorn sheep that range the mountainous areas to the south and east of
the Nevada Test Site. Animals sampled included those that died from natural
causes or by accident, those collected through the cooperation of licensed
hunters, and those that were sacrificed as part of the routine sampling
activities of the program.
Sacrificed animals, killed either by rifle or shotgun fire, were usually
necropsied immediately after death and any gross pathological conditions
noted. Animals collected by other means were also necropsied if a prosector
was available. If advanced postmortem changes had not occurred, the adrenals,
eyes, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscle, spleen, thyroid, gonads, and
lesions (if any) were sampled and prepared for histopathological evaluation.
If fresh blood was available, heparinized samples were collected for
hematological examination. Tissues collected for radioanalysis from large
animals included rumen or stomach contents, liver, lungs, tracheobronchial
lymph nodes, muscle, thyroids, blood, kidneys, fetus (if present), and bone
(femurs or hock). Tissues collected for radioanalysis from each rabbit
included bone from entire skeleton, muscle, skin, entire gastrointestinal
tract, and composited internal organs (liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen).
Nevada Test Site cattle sampled during the year included 12 from the Area
18 beef herd and 2 (a Holstein cow and a Hereford steer) from the Area 15
experimental farm. Sampling inforniation for all the cattle sampled is
presented in table 1. Unless otherwise noted, each animal sampled spent its
entire life grazing on the Area 18 range of the Nevada Test Site.
Figure 1 shows the locations of the herds and facilities. The management
of the beef herd and soil and range surveys of the Area 18 grazing area have
been published previously (Smith 1970, Leavitt 1970, and Brown and Mason
1968).
Tissue samples were collected from eight Nevada Test Site mule deer
( Odocoileus hemionus ) during 1977. (See table 2 for sampling information.)
Six of the deer were sampled after being struck by motor vehicles, and two
were collected by hunting. Six jackrabbits ( Lepus Californicus ) and one
coyote ( Canis latrans ) were collected at Area 15 experimental farm. Other
Nevada Test Site animals sampled included five jackrabits, one feral horse
( Eguus caballus) , one coyote, two golden eagles ( Aguila chrysaetos) , and one
mountain lion ( Felix concolor) . Collection locations are noted on figure 1.
2
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TABLE 1. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE, 1977
Animal Sex Age Breed Weight
Date
No.
(yrs)
(kg)
Sampled Remarks
10/14/77
10/14/77
10/14/77
09/ 22177
04/25/ 77
(A)
1
F
12.5
Hereford
538
05/12/77
Aged Hereford cow.
2
M
3
Hereford
427
05/12/77
Steer in good condition.
3
F
9
Hereford
445
05/12/77
Pregnant cow--7-month-old fetus. Extremely wild and
aggressive.
4
M
1
Hereford
218
05/12/77
A yearling steer in fair condition.
5
M
1
Hereford
132
05/12/77
A yearling steer in fair condition.
6
M 1
Hereford
241
05/12/77 A •yearling steer in fair condition.
7
1
4.5
Hereford
442
10/14/77
Barren cow in excellent condition. Resembled a
steer in conformation.
8
F
4.5
Hereford
428
10/14/77
A mature lactating cow in good condition. Had
actinobacillosis lesion of left mandible that was
ruptured while going through the chute.
9
F
11
Hereford
373
10/14/77
A mature lactating cow. Unusually belligerent and
aggressive.
M
1.5
Hereford
270
A yearling steer in good condition.
M
0.5
Hereford
160
A 6-month-old calf in good condition.
M
0.33
Hereford
100
A 4-month-old calf in good condition.
F
5
Holstein
850
Area 15 dairy cow sacrificed as surplus to needs.
M
6
Hereford
839
Runien-fistulated steer maintained at Area 15. Tympa-
nites was cause of death. No necropsy was performed.
10
11
12
251
761
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•1
Tonopah
Spring .
Buffer Zone
Figure 1.
Location of
Oak Spring
.
• Tub Spring
Timber
Mountain
Mountain
r
Desert
Game
Range
sampling sites and facilities on the
Nevada Test Site.
4
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TABLE 2. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE WILDLIFE, 1977
Mule Deer-4
Mule Deer-5
Mule Deer-6
Mule Deer-7
Mule Deer-8
Horse—i
Rabbit-i -Al 5
Rabbi t-2-Al 5
Rabbi t-3-Al 5
Rabbi t-4-A1 5
Rabbi t-5-Al 5
F 10+
F Mature
F Mature
F Mature
F Mature
F Mature
45 05/05/77
39 07/06/77
04/03/77
04/03/77
04/03/77
04/03/77
04/03/77
collected Area
collected Area
collected Area
collected Area
collected Area
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
Mule Deer-i
Aninial
Sex Estimated
Estimated
Date
No,
Age
(yrs)
Weight
(kg)
Collected
Remarks
Mule
Mu 1 e
Deer-2
Deer-3
(11
M 7+
F Mature
M 1
M Mature
M 2-3
M Mature
F 1.5
M
73 04/07/77 Collected on Mine Mountain Road on E. side of
Mine Mountain by the ore oven.
Road kill on N. Tunnel Access Road, Area 12.
Road kill on Dead Horse Flat Road, 1 mi. N. of
intersection.
73 07/16/77 Road kill on Pahute Mesa Road, Area 19, inter-
section with Echo Peak Road.
82 09/21/77 Collected on Echo Peak. Deer had radio collar
yellow 1 and blue 4. First captured July 13, 1976.
-- 10/17/77 Road kill on Tippipah Highway 2 to 3 mi. S. of
Area 12.
45 11/20/77 Road kill intersection of Stockade Wash Road and
Holmes Road.
36 11/03/77 Road kill between Dead Horse Flat Road and Power
Substation, Area 19.
363 01/10/77 Road kill 2.5 mi. S. of Area 12 Camp on Tippipah
Highway.
Jackrabbi t,
Jackrabbi t,
Jackrabbi t,
Jackrabbit,
Jackrabbit,
(conti nued)
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TABLE 2. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR NEVADA TEST SITE WILDLIFE, 1977 (continued)
Animal
Sex Estimated
Estimated
Date
No.
Age
Weight
Collected
Remarks
(yrs)
(kg)
Rabbit-6-Al5 M Mature 04/03/77 Jackrabbit, collected Area 15.
Rabbit-l--A18 F Mature 04/03/77 Jackrabbit, collected Airport Road, Area 18.
Rabbit-2-A18 F Immature ‘ 2 04/03/77 Jackrabbit, collected halfway to intersection
N. end of strip on Airport Road.
Rabbit-3-A18 M Mature ‘ 2 04/03/77 Jackrabbit, collected S. of corrals by intersection
Airport Road.
Rabbit-4-A18 F Mature 04/03/77 Jackrabbit, collected by turnoff from Buckboard
Mesa Road going to Buckboard Mesa.
Rabbit—5-A18 Unk Unk ‘ s5 04/03/77 Jackrabbit, collected Buckboard Mesa Road I mi. N.
of turnoff to Buckboard Mesa.
Mountain lion F Unk -- 04/02/77 Carcass was less than a month old. Found by warehouse
Mercury Base Camp. Cause of death unknown.
Eagle-l—NTS link -- 05/06/77 Killed by flying into power line at Pahute Mesa Road
and Tippipah Highway. Found by CETO personnel and
given to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for removal
of claws and feathers. They later returned to EPA.
Eagle-2-NTS M link -- 07/20/77 Eagle found by CETO personnel and given to the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for live mounting.
Soft tissue and bone returned to EPA. No history
on bird.
Coyote-l-NTS F 0.5 10 07/09/77 Collected by hunting, Area 15 experimental farm.
Coyote.-2-NTS M 0.2 5 09/21/77 Trapped in Sandia Compound in Area 6. Had a broken
leg from being struck with rock. Euthanized with
overdose of nicotine alkaloid injected via capture gun.
Unk = Unknown
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Through the cooperation of state and federal wildlife officials and
participating hunters, tissue samples were collected from 20 mature desert
bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis nelsoni ) rams during the annual hunt. The
sampling information for these animals is presented in table 3 and the
collection sites are shown in figure 2. Most of the animals were collected
from Clark County in southern Nevada with 11 coming from the Desert National
Wildlife Range or the Nellis Air Force Range which are contiguous to the
Nevada Test Site. One ram was collected from west-central Nevada near Lone
Mountain in Esmeralda County.
7
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TABLE 3. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1977
Animal Sex Estimated
Date
Samples
No.
Age
Collected
Collected Remarks
(yrs)
1
M
10
12/15/77
Bone,
Lung
Hunter kill,
life Range
Mule Deer Ridge, Desert National Wild-
(DNWR).
2
M
7
11/22/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney,
Lung
Hunter
kill,
South of Wamp Spring, DNWR.
3
M
5
12/03/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney
Lung
Hunter
kill,
Eldorado Range.
4
M
7
12/09/77
Bone,
Kidney
Hunter
kill,
Mule Deer Ridge, DNWR.
5
M
12
•
11/20/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney,
Lung
Hunter
kill,
Tim Spring, Pintwater Range.
6
M
10
11/27/77
Bone,
Lung
Kidney,
Hunter
kill,
Sawmill Canyon, Sheep Range.
7
M
5
12/26/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney,
Lung
Hunter
Range.
kill,
4 mi. N. of Indian Canyon, Pintwater
8
M
4-5
12/13/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney,
Lung
Hunter
kill,
Davis Spring, Mormon Peak.
9
M
5
12/18/77
Bone,
Lung
Kidney,
Hunter
kill,
Quartz Peak.
10
M
9
12/17/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney,
Lung
Hunter
kill,
Meadow Valley Range.
11
M
7
12/08/77
Bone,
Lung
Kidney,
Hunter
kill,
DNWR.
12
M
11
12/02/77
Bone,
Lung
Liver,
Hunter
kill,
In Canyon.
13
M
5
11/27/77
Bone,
Liver,
Kidney,
Lung
Hunter
kill,
Las Vegas Range. t n d
con i ue
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TABLE 3. SAMPLING INFORMATION FOR DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1977 (continued)
11/20/77 Bone, Kidney
Liver, Lung
11/18/77 Bone, Kidney,
Liver, Lung
11/17/77 Bone, Kidney,
Liver, Lung
11/25/77 Bone, Kidney,
Liver, Lung
12/03/77 Bone, Kidney,
Lung
12/31/77 Bone, Liver,
Lung
11/22/77 Bone
Wildlife Range.
Animal Sex Estimated
No. Age
Date
Collected
Samples Remarks
Collected
(yrs)
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
*DNWR
M 12
M 7
M 6
M 6
M 10
M 8
M 6
Desert National
Hunter
kill,
1 mi. N. of Moak Peak, Morman
Range.
Hunter
kill,
2 mi. N. of White Rock, DNWR.
Hunter
Peak.
kill,
Oatmeal Spring, Monte Cristo,
Silver
Hunter
kill,
S.W. of Echo Bay.
Hunter
kill,
Table Top Mountain.
Hunter
kill,
2 mi. N. of White Sage, DNWR.
Hunter
kill,
Davis Spring, Mormon Peak.
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Figure 2. Approximate coUection sites of 1977 desert biyhorn sheep.
N ELLIS
AIR FORCE
RANGE
7
Desert 20
National
10
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ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES AND METHODS
Samples of soft tissues and rumen contents were analyzed by gamma
spectrometry. A sample of blood or tissues was collected from each animal and
analyzed for tritium. The bone was analyzed for strontium—89 and -90 and
plutonium—238 and —239. Selected soft tissues were also analyzed for
plutonium content. All of the analyses for strontium, tritium, and the
gamma-emitting radionuclides were performed by the Methods Development and
Analytical Support Branch of the Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory-Las Vegas (EMSL-LV). The plutonium analyses were performed at the
Albuquerque Laboratory of the Eberline Instrument Corporation.
Rumen contents and soft tissues of sufficient volume were placed in
200—milliliter aluminum containers with a 10—percent Formalin® solution as a
preservative. The containers were then sealed and stored for gamma analysis.
Those of smaller volume, i.e., thyroid gland, tracheobronchial lymph nodes,
etc., were first macerated in a blender, then brought to volume by suspending
in agar. These samples were also sealed in 200—milliliter aluminum
containers. Muscle, liver, lungs, kidneys, and fetal samples were analyzed
for approximately 1,200 minutes on lithium-drifted germanium detectors
calibrated at approximately 0.5 kiloelectronvolts per channel in the 60-
kiloelectronvolts to 2-megaelectronvolts range. These detectors are connected
to a Nuclear Data 6620 computerized gamma spectral accumulation and analysis
system. Other tissue samples such as thyroids, tracheobronchial lymph nodes,
skin, and gonads, as well as rumen or stomach and gastrointestinal contents,
were analyzed for 1,000 minutes on a 4- by 4-inch Nal (Ti) crystal connected
to 200 channels of a 400—channel pulse—height analyzer calibrated at 10
kiloelectronvolts (keV) per channel.
Tissues for strontium and plutonium analyses were prepared by ashing.
Plutonium was analyzed by alpha spectrometry using plutonium—236 as an
internal tracer. Details of these analytical procedures have been published
by Talvitie 1971, 1972; Wish and Rowell 1956; Mitchell 1960; Hagan and
Arrhenius 1963; and Major et al., 1975. Other radionuclide analytical
procedures used at the EMCL—LV were described previously (Johns 1975).
Quality assurance samples were included in each group of samples submitted
for plutonium analyses. These were either duplicate samples collected from
sacrificed animals and submitted under a blind identification number or
similar tissue samples purchased at a local market and to which a known amount
of plutonium was added. The data from the former type of quality assurance
samples are included in the data tables of the appendixes while the data from
the spiked samples are presented in table 4.
®Regi stered trademark
11
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TABLE 4. QUALITY ASSURANCE RESULTS
Tissue
ACTIVITY
ADDED
ACTIVITY
REPORTED
238 Pu
239 Pu
238 Pu
239 Pu
(pCi/Sample)
(pci/Sample)
(pCi/Sample)
(pCi/Sample)
Liver
0
0
0.15 ± 0.010
0.68 ± 0.19
Liver
0
10.8
0.64 ± 0.21
10.0 ± 0.7
Liver
0
1.4
0.59 ± 0.24
2.4 ± 1.2
Liver
0
0.72
0.42 ± 0.21
1.4 ± 0.70
Liver
0
4.2
<0.53
5.2 ± 2.7.
Muscle
0
0
<0.37
0.93 ± 0.56
Muscle
0
0.72
0.29 ± 0.22
1.2 ± 0.36
Muscle
0
0.38
<0.15
<0.38
Muscle
0
6.9
0.51 ± 0.34
12.5 ± 1.7
Muscle
0
2.8
<0.42
3.5 ± 0.71
Liver
0
0
<0.20
<0.20
Liver
0
0
<0.35
<0.35
Liver
0
0.95
<0.03
0.93 ± 0.31
Liver
0
2.7
<0.23
2.1 ± 0.35
Liver
0
0.37
<0.22
0.33 ± 0.22
Liver
0
0.95
<0.23
0.92 ± 0.23
Liver
0
2.7
<0.29
1.7 ± 0.29
Liver
0
0.37
<0.27
0.54 ± 0.27
The activity values for plutonium—239 listed in this report are actually
the sum of the individual isotopic activities of plutonium—239 and —240. The
alpha emissions of these two isotopes cannot be separately identified
(resolved) by alpha spectrometric analysis.
All data are reported within the 95 percent confidence level counting
error and are corrected to time of sample collection. Results which show a
net sample activity less than the two-sigma counting error are reported as
less than the activity calculated. That activity in this report is defined as
the minimum detectable activity. The approximate minimum detectable
activities and analytical procedures are summarized in appendix A.
12
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Tissue and lesion samples collected for histopathological examination were
first fixed with a 10-percent Formalin solution. They were then dehydrated
with alcohol and embedded in paraffin prior to sectioning with a microtome. A
5-micrometer section was placed on a glass slide, stained with hematoxylin and
eosin, and delivered to a pathologist for interpretation.
When fresh blood was available, 2 milliliters were withdrawn from the
jugular vein and placed in a heparinized tube, and two blood-smear slides were
made. These were airmailed to the ICN Medical Laboratories, Inc., of
Portland, Oregon, where a complete blood-cell count was made.
13
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE
The analytical results from tissues collected from the Area 18 Nevada Test
Site beef cattle during May and October are presented in the tables of
appendix B. Data from other Nevada Test Site cattle tissues are listed in
appendix C.
The only gamma-emitting radionuclide consistently detected in all Nevada
Test Site cattle tissues was the naturally occurring potassium-40. At both
sampling periods, detectable levels of cesium-137 were infrequently reported
in either ingesta or soft—tissue samples. The highest level reported was 47
± 11 picocuries per kilogram found in the kidney of a calf sampled in October.
Zirconium-95 was found in only two ingesta samples from the spring sacrifice
but, along with ruthenium—103 and cerium—141, was consistently detected in the
fall ingesta samples. Two of the lung samples collected in the fall also
contained detectable levels of zirconiuni—95. Levels of iodine-131, ranging
from 650 to 770 picocuries per gram, were reported in all thyroid samples
collected from the Nevada Test Site beef cattle during October. Iodine-131
was also present in the thyroids of Area 15 cattle sampled on September 30.
The presence of these short—lived radionuclides (iodine—131, zirconium-95,
ruthenium-103, and cerium—141) in the fall samples is believed to be from
worldwide fallout associated with the atmospheric nuclear test conducted by
the Peoples’ Republic of China on September 21 at 0300 hours EDT (Monitoring
Operations Division 1978).
Detectable levels of tritium were not found in any of the blood samples
collected from the Area 18 beef cattle. However, the blood of cow number 251
from Area 15 contained 4,300 ± 350 picocuries per liter. The source of this
cow’s tritium is thought to be the Sedan Crater which is approximately 3
kilometers from the farm. Similar tritium values have been reported for Area
15 cattle in previous years (Smith and Giles 1975; Smith et al., 1976, 1977a,
and 1977b).
As shown in figure 3, strontium—90 values in femur samples from Area 18
beef animals averaged 3.4 picocuries per gram of bone ash with a range of 2.4
to 4.3 picocuries per gram of ash. These values are quite consistent with
those reported in recent years. Strontium-89 was not detected in any of the
animals’ femurs.
Plutonium-238 is present in the envirom ent primarily as a result of the
burnup of the SNAP-9—A power source (Krey and Krajewski 1972; Hardy et al.,
14
-------
30
0
0.
.E
‘I)
a,
a,
C,,
25
20
15
10
5
_____ Bighorn Sheep
I Deer
11111111111 Cattle
C (Number of Bone Samples)
1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1910 1911 1912 1973 1914 1975 1916 1917
Figure 3. Annual averages of 90 Sr in bones of cattle, deer, and desert bighorn sheep 1956-1977.
-------
1972). The expected ratio of plutonium—239 to plutoniurn-238 is roughly 25.
However, this expected ratio is seldom reached in the animal tissues listed in
the appendixes of this report. The ratios present are quite variable, but
generally range between 5 and 10. It has been postulated (Patterson et al.,
1974; and Matlock et a]., 1976) that plutonium-238 may be more rapidly
solubilized and thus potentially more mobile under environmental conditions
than is plutonium—239. Thus, it is possible that the plutonium 239:238 ratios
for animal tissue may be lower than the ratios for fallout and soil. Few
apparently incongruous plutonium values were noted this year; values for
similiar tissues fell within a relatively narrow range, especially if large
sample sizes were available.
The median values of plutonium data from the tables in appendixes B and C
are sumarized in table 5. As in previous years (1973 through 1976), it was
noted that increased actinide levels were present in rumen contents sampled in
October. This increased activity was also noted in the lungs and
tracheobronchial lymph nodes. It is postulated that the increases are related
to range conditions at that time of year, i.e. forage is scant and dry, and
more soil is probably ingested and inhaled during the grazing process.
TABLE 5. MEDIAN VALUES OF PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES
FROM NEVADA TEST SITE BEEF CATTLE (pci/kg wet wt)
Tissue
238 Pu
239p
May
October
May
October
Lungs
0.34
0.54
1.0
2.9
Tracheobronchi al
lymph nodes
<3.2
5.7
<9.8
11.4
Muscles
<0.4
<0.22
<0.4
<0.32
Livers
<0.36
0.42
<0.93
1.9
Rumen contents
0.79
1.1
4.8
7.1
Reti cu] urn
sediments
<12
240
32
980
Femurs
<2.6
<0.69
<3.9
<1.0
Unusually high ash percentages were reported for the tracheobronchial
lymph nodes from several of the Area 18 cattle (see appendix table B—2). The
wet weight of these tracheobronchial lymph nodes seldom exceeds 30 grams. Any
16
-------
loss of moisture from these samples while in storage would result in a
spurious ash-weight determination. Therefore the analytical values reported
for the samples may be questionable.
Fetal tissues frequently contained detectable levels of plutonium
(especially plutonium-238) which indicates transfer across the placental
membranes.
STATISTICAL ANALYSES OF PLUTONIUM-239 ACTIVITIES IN CATTLE TISSUES 1971-1977
Plutonium activity levels in range cattle tissues and ingesta have been
reported annually since 1971. Sufficient data have been accumulated to
attempt statistical interpretation and to detect significant trends and
relationships. The relationships considered were: (1) trends, if any, in
plutonium activity levels in cattle tissues or ingesta from 1971 to 1977, (2)
relations between age of the animals and plutonium activity levels, and (3)
differences in plutonium activity levels for samples collected in the spring
versus the fall
Statistical analysis of data collected over long periods of time has
considerable appeal. It is also relatively easy to perform the calculations
on a set of numbers and make inferences. However, the validity of the
conclusions is limited by the quality of the numbers generated in the first
place. This study covers a period of 7 years with both spring and fall sample
collections being made. During this time, sample collection techniques have
remained pretty much the same, but analytical procedures have changed. Some
samples were counted for longer periods than others, different personnel were
involved, sample sizes varied, instruments changed, and even laboratories
doing the analyses changed. Ideally, all of these factors should be
considered and their effect on the result determined before any conclusions
are drawn. It has not been possible, however, to factor all these variables
into the following statistical analysis so caution and a thorough reading are
advi sed.
Since only bone, lung, liver, and ingesta samples had consistent
plutonium-239 levels, statistical analyses of these sample data are considered
in this report. The plutonium activity levels in muscle were generally below
the limit of detection so the data could not be meaningfully analyzed. The
total amount of available plutonium data on range cattle was reviewed and
screened. Only positive activity values were considered. All fetus data were
dropped since there were only a few fetuses sampled and their activity levels
were reflected in the cow. For samples which were analyzed in duplicate, only
the mean was used. Counting errors were not included. These screenings were
conducted to simplify the statistical procedures and final data
i nterpretation.
The lung, liver, and bone data sets were checked for normality by plotting
on log probability paper. Since the data approximated a straight line, all
plutonium activity data were converted to natural logs (in) for statistical
analysis. Thus, the means on the graphs in figures 4, 6, 8, and 10 are the
means of in transformed data or geometric means. The asterisks in figures 6
through 9 signify the probability level: * 95%, ** = 99%.
17
-------
A total of 80 range cattle were sampled for lung tissue during the period
1971 to 1977. Positive plutonium—239 activity levels were reported for 77 of
these animals. The initial analysis conducted was to determine whether the
activity levels of samples collected in the spring differed from those
collected in the fall. The in of the piutonium-239 activity levels were
regressed with the year of collection. The comparison of regression lines for
spring data versus fall data indicated there was no significant difference in
the slope or intercept of the regression lines. Therefore, spring and fall
data were combined.
A multilinear regression test was then applied to the lung tissue data
with animal age and year of collection being the independent variables and the
in of the lung activity being the dependent variable. Since the regression
was highly significant, regressions were run to determine whether age, year,
or both were significant factors. The data indicate there is no significant
trend [ F = 0.000; 1,75 degrees of freedom (df)] in residue levels over the 7
years of data collection (figure 4). The reported residue levels of
plutonium-239 in lung tissues have neither decreased nor increased since 1971.
The regression of animal age versus the in of the plutonium activity in
lung tissue indicates a very high degree of significance (F = 46; 1,75 df).
The plot of the data and regression line (figure 5) show that plutonium—239
levels in lung tissues increase with the age of the animal.
Fifty-eight of the 87 beef animals sampled had detectable plutonium-239
activity levels in the bone (femur) samples. Statistical analyses of these 58
samples indicated there is no significant difference in the plutonium activity
of spring versus fall samples. This comparison was conducted using the same
procedure as for lungs. Spring and fall data were combined for further
analyses.
The multilinear regression comparing animal age and year of collection
with in plutonium—239 activity was highly significant. The separate
comparison of collection year versus ln plutonium activity showed a
significant association (F = 5.3; 2,55 df) at the 95 percent probability level
with no significant lack of fit. Figure 6 shows that the reported
plutonium-239 activity in bone samples has increased from 1971 to 1977.
Animal age is also significantly related to plutonium—239 activity in
bone. The F of 15.6 (1,56 df) is significant at the 99 percent probability
level. Plutonium—239 activity in bone increases with animal age (figure 7).
Sixty three of the 82 animals sampled for liver had detectable levels of
plutonium—239 activity and were used in the following analyses. The
comparison of plutonium activity for samples collected in the spring versus
fall did show a statistically significant difference in slopes but not in
elevation. Since the data were widely scattered, they were combined for ease
of i nterpretati on.
Multilinear regression of age and year versus plutonium-239 activity
resulted in a significant regression. The separate effects show that both
animal age and year of collection are related to plutonium activity in liver
18
-------
10
.
7.
__ 5.
4. +
N . + +
6:3. + 1-
I
O)2 1th El
-J . p U
El +
1 • . :
. .
• p +
4 0.5 .
. 0.4
N 0.3
0.2
.
0.1 I I I
71 72 73 74 75 76 77
Year of Collection
Figure 4. Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle
lung vs. year of sample collection with in means and
95% confidence intervals. (F = 0.00; 1,75 df)
19
-------
Age of Animal (years)
Figure 5.
Linear regression of in 239pu activity in beef cattle
lung vs. animal age. (F = 45.94; 1,75 df)
+
+
+
+
+
.4-
+
++
1:
+
÷
+
+
+
+
a)
.
(3
a)
C
-J
> .
I’) —
4-
10
5
1
0.5
0.1
+
+
+
+
+
+
++
4-
+
+
+
+
-4-
+
-I-
+
+
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
I
16
-------
10
7
5
4
3
2
1
0.7
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
N
Q
0
C
>
I
Figure 6.
Year of Collection
Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle bone
vs. year of collection with means and 95% confidence
intervals. (F = 5.26; 1,56 df)
21
T
1- • +
0 -1-
+
.
0
0
1-
r;i
U
+
+
-I-
+
-F-
71 72 73 74 75 76 77
-------
1
+
+
N
0.
C
0
.E
Age of Animal (years)
Linear regression of
bone vs. animal age.
in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle
(F = 15.58; 1,56 df)
÷
+
7
5
4
3
+
+
4-
2
+
++
+
+
-1-
I
+
÷
+
+
++
0.5
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0.3
+
+
+
+
+
±
.01
3
4
5
6
7
12
13
14
15
Figure 7.
-------
samples. The regression of the year the sample was coleicted versus the in o
the reported plutonium-239 activity in liver resulted in a highly significant
F ratio (F = 8.14; 1,61 df), but there is also a significant lack of fit (F =
2.45, 5,56 df). Figure 8 shows the regression line has positive slope
suggesting that plutonium activity levels in cattle liver samples have
increased from 1971 to 1977. The figure also shows that a straight line does
not adequately describe the data.
Animal age is also significantly related (F = 5.32; 1,61 df) to plutonium
activity levels as shown in figure 9. The liver tissue of the older beef
cattle generally has a higher level of plutonium activity than that of young
animals.
The rumen content data considered for this report were from beef animals
collected in the fall 1971 through fall 1977. Spring and fall data were
plotted separately and the means of the in transformed data (geometric mean)
for the fall of each year were higher than for the spring (figure 10). Linear
regressions lines were calculated for each data set but there was a
significant lack of fit. That is, a straight line regression does not fit the
data. The plutonium-239 activity in ingesta appears to have fluctuated from
year to year, but no trend in activity levels is apparent. The variable and
transient nature of data on plutonium activity in ingesta precludes an
accurate assessment of trends.
In summary, the data on the plutonium—239 activities in beef cattle
tissues and rumen contents have been statistically analyzed to determine
trends in plutonium activity leveis. The data show that activity levels have
significantly increased from 1971 to 1977 in bone and liver tissues. No
change in activity levels was detected for lung tissue or rumen contents.
Practical reasons for the increase with time in the plutonium activity in
bone and liver samples are difficult to determine. Surface testing of nuclear
weapons in the grazed areas ceased in 1962, so there should have been no
significant new sources of contamination.
The possibility exists, however, of plutonium becoming more soluble and
thus more available to plants and subsequently to cattle. The activity in
lung tissues would not be expected to increase since there is no increased
probability of particle inhalation.
Initially, plutonium is relatively unavailable to the roots of plants
since it is deposited on the soil surface. With weathering, physical mixing
of the soil and chemical reactions, the plutonium is transported to the root
zone for plant uptake (Romney et al., 1970; Essington et al., 1976). This
process may take considerable time in an arid envirorinent, but nuclear testing
in the cattle grazing area (Area 18) ceased in 1962.
Surface deposition of particulate plutonium typically accounts for the
majority of plutonium in and on plants; relatively little is incorporated.
Stanley et al. (1975) have shown, however, that nearly 100 percent of ingested
23
-------
10•
7.
5.
4.
3. +
0
2.. 1
I
0.3- +
0.2-
0.1- -4-
I I I 1 I
71 72 73 74 75 76 77
Year of Collection
Figure 8. Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle
liver vs. year of sample collection with means and 95%
confidence intervals. (F 8.14; 1,61 df, but
regression not linear, F 2.48; 5,56 df)
24
-------
10-
7-
5- +
+
+ ÷
++ + +
N
c3
.—
-J
.E ±
. + + +
r 5 ÷
U,
C.)
0.1-
0. 0.07—
0 ,
“ 0.05-
N
0.03- +
0.02-
— I I I I I
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Age of Animal (years)
Figure 9. Linear regression of in 239 Pu activity in beef cattle
liver vs. animal age. (F 5.32; 1,61 df)
-------
100-
70-
50-
40-
30-
20-
N
(3
- 10-
C
S
I ,-
0 -
3-
2-
a-
N
0.7-
0.5.
0.4.
0.3.
0.2.
—
71 72 73 74 75 76 77
Year of Collection
Figure 10. Plot of in means and 95% confidence intervals for
239 Pu activity in ingesta of beef cattle spring and
fall data.
26
-------
plutonium dioxide is excreted in the feces and is quite unavailable
biologically. However, biologically incorporated plutonium is thought to be
considerably more available and might be responsible for most of the liver and
bone activity levels (personal communication, Julius Barth). The trend data
presented here are not complete or accurate enough to prove this hypothesis,
but Barth’s interpretation is certainly plausible.
If the solubility of plutonium does not increase, the levels in cattle
tissues should have decreased or remained constant. The average age of the
cattle sampled did not change appreciably with time. The data were not
corrected for average age, but the variation of ±1 year appears negligible.
The change in analyzing laboratory could have introduced a bias. The
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory—Las Vegas performed all the
analyses through 1974 and part of those for 1975, while the Eberline
Instrument Corporation performed the remainder of the analyses in 1975 and all
of the 1976 and 1977 analyses. A visual comparison of plutonium levels in the
various tissues for the years 1974 and 1976 does not suggest a significant
bias in analytical results.
Detection limits did change over the 7 years of the study, but had no
significant effect on lung or ingesta data. Essentially all of these samples
contained positive activity levels. An examination of the lower limit of
detection (LLD) for the 14 sampling periods (spring and fall) reveals that the
LLD did change substantially on several occasions for both liver and bone. In
most cases, this change had the effect of eliminating data but did not cause
an appreciable increase in the mean value for the year. In some cases, the
mean of the reported “less than” values was greater than the reported positive
detections for the same period. The LLD for bone samples collected in spring
1977 was quite high, but since there were no positive values reported at that
time, the calculated mean was unaffected.
Plutonium activity levels for all three tissues (liver, bone, and lungs)
are significantly related to animal age. As age increases, so does the
plutonium activity in the tissues.
The higher plutonium-239 activities noted in the fall ingesta samples were
not reflected in the tissues collected at the same time. There was also no
significant association in plutonium activity levels for the three tissues
within the same animal. The activity levels of each tissue are independent of
each other.
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER
The analytical results from tissues collected from Nevada Test Site mule
deer are listed in the tables of appendix D. As was the case for the Nevada
Test Site cattle, the only gamma-emitting radionuclide consistently detected
was the naturally occurring potassium-40. Cesium-137 was occasionally
detected in the soft tissues and rurnen contents. The maximum concentration
27
-------
observed in the soft tissues was 25 ± 6.1 picocuries per kilogram in the
kidney collected from a mature buck. Levels of zirconium-95, which were
frequently found in the rumen contents, increased several-fold in samples
collected after September 17, 1977, the date of an atmospheric nuclear test by
the Peoples’ Republic of China. Zirconium—95 was also reported in the lungs
and liver of animal number 8 which was sampled on November 3.
Tritium levels in the aqueous portion of the kidney tissue ranged, with
one exception, between <240 and 440 picocuries per liter. Tissues from animal
number 2 and its fetus both contained 480,000 picocuries per liter. This
animal was collected on the N Tunnel Access Road and evidently had been
drinking from ponds formed by the drainage waters from the tunnel test areas
of Rainier Mesa. These drainage ponds and the Sedan Crater are the principle
sources of tritium on the Nevada Test Site (Monitoring Operations Division,
1978).
The average strontium-90 concentration found in hock bones was 1.9
picocuries per gram of ash. This compares closely to the 2.1 picocuries per
gram ash average found in 1976 and continues the slowly declining trend
observed in recent years. Strontium-89 was not detected in any of the bone
samples analyzed.
The median values of plutonium levels in selected tissues from Nevada Test
Site mule deer are shown in table 6. These levels are similar to those
reported in 1975 and 1976. Plutonium—239 was detected in the gonads of 2 of 5
mule deer sampled. These values of 1.4 and 1.5 picocuries per kilogram were
slightly higher than levels reported in other soft tissues collected from the
same animals.
TABLE 6. MEDIAN VALUES OF PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN 1977
NEVADA TEST SITE DEER TISSUES (pCi/kg wet wt)
Tissue
238 Pu
239 Pu
Lungs
0.40
±
0.31
0.52 ± 0.29
Muscles
<0.55
<0.59
Livers
<0.45
<0.45
Rumen Contents
0.86
±
0.29
1.4 ±
0.57
Bones
<2.2
2.2 ±
2.2
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
Desert bighorn sheep that inhabit areas contiguous to the Nevada Test Site
were sampled through the cooperation of licensed hunters. Analytical data
from selected tissues are listed in the tables of appendix E. Muscle samples
were not collected as the meat was retained by the participating hunters.
28
-------
Rumeri contents were not collected as a comprehensive 20-year report on the
food habits of desert bighorn sheep was published by Brown et a]. (1978).
Other than the naturally occurring potassium—40, gamma—emitting
radionuclides were infrequently reported. Only one of 18 lungs analyzed
contained a positive value for zirconium—95 (150 ± 130 picocuries per
kilogram). This value is probably related to worldwide fallout from the
Chinese test of September 17, 1977. Cesium-137 was found in 3 of 13 liver
samples (maximum value of 26 ± 10 picocuries per kilogram) and 4 of 16 kidney
samples (maximum value of 100 ± 26 picocuries per kilogram).
Tritium levels in the aqueous portion of 16 kidneys sampled ranged from
<270 to 810 picocuries per liter with a median value of 430 picocuries per
liter. These values are considered to be within environmental limits as the
tritium concentrations for the Las Vegas area ranged between <300 to 700
picocuries per liter of atmospheric water (Monitoring Operations Divison
1978).
The average strontium-90 concentration found in the hock bones sampled was
3.3 picocuries per gram of ash. As shown in figure 3, this value is similar
to those reported in recent years. As in recent years, the strontium-90
levels were higher in the desert bighorn sheep than in the other two ruminant
species (deer and cattle) sampled on the Nevada Test Site. This may be
related to the increased age of the sampled population (a legal kill must be a
male of at least 7 years of age) and to the increased precipitation observed
in the higher elevations where the desert bighorn sheep reside.
The median values of plutonium levels found in selected tissue samples are
shown in table 7. Detectable levels of plutonium-238 and plutonium-239 were
seldom found in the livers and lungs sampled, and the minimum detectable
activities were higher than those reported for deer and cattle. This is
probably because the sheep tissuesample sizes (collected by hunters) were
much smaller than those collected frcxn the other species. Plutonium-238 was
found in 12 of 20 bone samples (range of 1.9 to 6.5 picocuries per kilogram
wet weight) and plutonium-239 in only 2 of 20 (range of <1.9 to 6.2 picocuries
per kilogram wet weight). However, the counting error was equal to the
activity reported for most of the positive plutonium-238 values; consequently,
the findings are of questionable significance.
NEVADA TEST SITE COYOTES
Two immature coyotes were sampled during 1977, one from the Area 15 farm
and one from Area 6. The analytical results from selected tissues of these
animals are listed in the tables of appendix F.
The coyote from Area 15 contained significantly higher levels of all
radionuclides detected. Levels of plutonium and strontium in the Area 15
animal were usually from 10 to 20 times higher than those found in similar
29
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TABLE 7. MEDIAN VALUES OF PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN 1977
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP TISSUES (pCi/kg wet wt)
Tissue
238 Pu
239 Pu
Lungs
<1.4
<1.4
Livers
<1.4
<2.0
Bones
<2.9
<2.7
tissues collected from the Area 6 animal. Similar levels were found in Area
15 coyotes sampled in 1972 (Smith et al ., 1976) and in 1975 (Smith et al .,
1978a).
Cesium—137 levels were approximately 3 times greater in tissues from the
Area 15 coyote, i.e., muscle levels were 150 ± 36 versus 62 ± 14 picocuries
per kilogram, liver levels were 170 ± 41 versus 47 ± 7.1 picocuries per
kilogram, and stomach content levels were 480 ± 80 versus 140 ± 50 picocuries
per kilogram.
Tritium levels in the Area 15 coyote were also elevated; 18,000 ± 510
picocuries per liter of tissue water. As in the case of the Area 15 cattle,
the source of this tritium was believed to be the Sedan Crater.
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBITS
Area 18 Rabbits
In March, five Area 18 jackrabbits were collected and selected tissues
sampled. The analytical data are presented in the tables of appendix G.
The concentrations of gamma—emitting radionuclides (potassium—40,
cesium—137, and zirconium-95) detected were of similar magnitude to those
found in corresponding tissues collected from the beef cattle which also graze
this area. Tritium levels (ranging from 320 to 750 picocuries per liter) in
the aqueous portion of the rabbits’ muscle tissues were not greatly different
from those found in the cattle and were considered to be within normal
enviromiental limits. Strontium-90 values ranged from 2.8 to 15 picocuries
per gram of bone ash with a median value of 3.6 picocuries per gram. Two of
the rabbits had values of 10 and 15 picocuries per gram of ash, respectively.
Strontium-89 was not detected in the bones of any of the rabbits.
The median values of plutonium in selected tissues are shown in table 8.
Plutonium levels were similar to those reported for beef cattle.
30
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TABLE 8. MEDIAN VALUES OF PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN 1977
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBIT TISSUES (pCi/kg wet wt)
AREA 18 AREA 15
Tissue
238 Pu 2 9 Pu 238 Pu 239 Pu
Muscles 0.29 ± 0.23 <0.37 0.33 ± 0.22 1.1 ± 0.43
Internal Organs 0.73 ± 0.38 1.8 ± 0.72 <2.3 4.3 ± 1.1
G.I. Tract <0.98 6.4 ± 1.5 3.5 ± 1.4 100 ± 15
Skin 3.0 ± 1.5 23.0 ± 3.6 30.0 ± 7.5 1,300 ± 150
Bone <1.4 <1.4 <1.9 <3.8
Area 15 Rabbits
Also in March, six jackrabbits from the Area 15 experimental farm were
collected and sampled. Analytical data from their tissues are summarized in
the tables of appendix H.
Similar spectra and concentrations of gamma-emitting radionuclides were
observed in the tissues as were found in the Area 15 jackrabbits. Tritiuni
concentrations in the aqueous portion of the Area 18 rabbit tissues were
generally an order of magnitude greater with a median value of 3,600
picocuries per liter and a range of 690 to 16,000 picocuries per liter.
Strontium-90 values ranged from 0.67 to 11 picocuries per gram of bone ash
with a median value of 6.0 picocuries per gram. Again, strontium—89 was not
detected.
Table 8 presents the median values of plutonium represented for selected
tissues. Plutonium concentrations in the bones and internal tissues re
similar to those from the Area 18 rabbits. However, the levels in tissues
subject to environmental contamination (skin and gastrointestinal tract) are
greatly elevated in animals from Area 15.
These findings and those noted for the Area 15 cattle and coyote plus data
from Area 15 animals presented in previous reports (Smith et al., 1977b,
1978a, and 1978b) indicate that the environs of Area 15 contain elevated
levels of tritium and plutonium when compared to other Nevada Test Site areas
that are frequently sampled by the Animal Investigation Program.
OTHER NEVADA TEST SITE WILDLIFE
Other Nevada Test Site animals that were sampled on a limited basis were a
feral horse, a mountain lion, and two golden eagles. Most of these animals
were accident victims and were not found for some time after death. The
31
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resulting advanced postmortem changes precluded any intensive sampling. The
analytical data from these animals are listed in appendix I.
No unexpected radionuclides were detected and the levels were generally
similar to those found in previous years or in other species. However, the
aqueous portion of the muscle from eagle number 2 contained 2,400 ± 310
picocuries of tritium per liter. The source of this tritium is unknown as the
bird was found with a fractured wing in Area 400. It was kept in captivity in
the Civil Effects Test Operations Building in Mercury, Nevada, for
approximately 45 days before its death. It was fed road-killed rabbits picked
up between Mercury and Area 400.
The bone sample from the aged feral horse contained 21 ± 1.2 picocuries of
strontium per gram of ash. This high level is probably related to its
advanced age as similar levels have occasionally been found in other aged
Nevada Test Site animals (Smith et al., 1977).
NEVADA TEST SITE WATERS
Several natural springs that serve as a source of water for wildlife were
sampled during 1977. These waters were analyzed for gamma—emitting
radionuclides and tritium and the analytical results are presented in table 9.
Detectable levels of tritium and gamma—emitting radionuclides other than
naturally occurring potassiurn-40 were not reported in any of the spring
waters.
NECROPSY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS
All sacrificed animals were necropsied and selected tissue and lesion
samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. The gross and
microscopic pathology observed are sumarized in appendix J. Also included in
this appendix are the results of hematology examination when performed. All
blood samples were collected prior to death.
TABLE 9. TRITIUM AND GAMMA ANALYSES OF SAMPLES FROM
NEVADA TEST SITE SPRINGS, 1977
WATER ANALYSES
Gamma Analysis
Spri ng Name K H
(aIku (oCilfl
Date
•• •
“-.-.
Cane
05/13
GSN
(270
Captain
Jack
07/05
GSN
<260
Green
06/02
GSN
<250
Tippipah
04/07
GSN
<270
Topopah
05/18
GSN
<270
White Rock
04/25
0.4 ± 0.2
<250
GSN = Gamma spectrum negligible
32
-------
As in previous years, sarcocysts were detected in cattle cardiac muscle
tissues. This is a ubiquitous parasite of both warm- and cold-blooded
vertebrates and is considered to have little clinical significance (Merck and
Company, 1973).
The incidence of other clinical conditions encountered, actinobacillosis
(number 8) and ocular squamous cell carcinoma (number 1), was felt to be
within normal limits for the populations examined. Occasionally observed
histologic findings; e.g., hemosiderosis of the spleen, capsular melanosis of
the adrenal , and hyperplasia of the tracheobronchial lymph nodes were felt to
be within normal levels by the examining pathologist. No pathology, gross or
microscopic, was observed that could be directly attributed to ionizing
radiation.
HYPOTHETICAL DOSE ESTIMATES
Although meat from animals living on the Nevada Test Site is not available
for consumption by the general public, the dose to a standard man based on a
postulated consumption of the meat can be calculated. The dose estimates are
not presented as an implication of potential doses, but rather to place the
reported radionuclide concentrations in perspective. The dose estimates are
based on the techniques and parameters of the International Commission on
Radiological Protection (1959, 1968) and Diliman (1969). The estimates were
from the maximum observed concentrations of the radionuclides in edible
tissues of the cattle and deer sampled (summarized in table 10), and the
postulated consumption of 500 grams (about 1 pound) of the meat each day for a
year. Less than detectable values have been used when they are the maximum
value.
The International Commission for Radiological Protection (1959) and the
U.S. Department of Energy (1977) present different dose criteria for various
parts of the body that are based on estimates of relative radiosensitivity.
The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (1971)
recognizes this philosophy, but recommends simplifying the guides for the
general population, and uses the minimum guide (0.5 rem per year to the whole
body for an individual in an uncontrolled area) for all body organs. The
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements emphasizes that this
is a simplifying administrative decision, rather than a reduction of the
guides based on new technical information.
Table 10 presents a summary of the maximum observed concentrations in
edible tissues of the animals. The indicated error terms are the two—sigma
counting error. The total analytical errors or uncertainties (two—sigma) for
the plutonium and uranium results are estimated to be about 200 femtocuries
per kilogram for results of several hundered ferntocuries per kilogram, or
several times the indicated counting errors. Thus, differences between
values, when the values are under several hundred femtocuries per kilogram,
have limited statistical significance given the total analytical uncertainties
of the results.
33
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TABLE 10. SUMMARY OF PEAK RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES FROM
NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE AND MULE DEER, 1977
Nuclide
Muscle
(pCi/kg*)
AREA 18 CATTLE
MAY 1977
Liver Thyroid
(pCi/kg*) (pCi/g)
Blood
(pci/i)
Muscle
(pCl/kg*)
AREA 18
OCTOBER
Liver
(pCl/kg*)
CATTLE
1977
Thyroid
(pCl/g)
Blood
(pCi/l)
Muscle
(pCi/kg*)
NTS MULE DEER
1977
Liver
(pCi/kg*)
Thyroid
(pCi/g)
Blood
(nCi/l)
a 3 ’Pu
C A,
. 2 ”pu
I 3 Cs
95 Zr
-------
Table 11 indicates postulated doses based on the data for maximum
concentrations for the various nuclides summarized in table 10. The column on
the right indicates the respective fraction of the radiation protection
standard of 500 millirems per year for the various postulated doses. The
doses from plutonium, uranium, and to a lesser extent, cesium-137, are not
delivered in 1 year. For practical purposes, however, the integrated doses
for a 1-year ingestion period are related to the yearly guide. Postulated
doses for iodine-131 and zirconium—95 have not been calculated since they are
reported as short-term transients resulting from foreign testing and would not
be present in the indicated concentration over a period of a year.
The highest postulated dose, 8.6 millirems, is for tritium as a result of
ingesting meat from a mule deer. All of the other postualted doses are about
1 millirem or less and are similar to those estimated for 1976 (Smith et al.,
1978b). The maximum dose estimate from plutonium—239 is somewhat higher that
past estimates, but reflects only a single high result (see table B-3). This
result may be an anomaly.
The maximum postulated dose to man from any single radionuclide is about 2
percent of the guide of 500 millirems per year, based on tritium from mule
deer kidney. It is postulated that the concentration of tritium in edible
portions of mule deer tissues would be similar to that in the kidney.
35
-------
TABLE 11.
POSTULATED DOSE TO MAN FOLLOWING INGESTION OF SELECTED TISSUES FOR 1 YEAR, 1977
Nuclide
Human
Dose
Organ for Which
was Calculated
Animal T
Maximum
issue Containing
Concentration
pCi/kg of
Tissue
Dose Factor
mrem:pCi/da
(1-yr ingestion)*
Dose
(mrem)
Percent
0.5 rem
Body
water
NTS Mule
Deer, kidney
480,000 ±
2,800
3.6 x lO
8.6
2.0
Cs
1 7 Cs
Whole
body
tissue
NTS Mule
Deer, muscle
23 ± 8.5
0.022
0.25
<0.1
238pu
Bone
Area 18
Cattle, muscle
1.2 ± 0.5
0.27
0.16
<0.1
23 3 Pu
Bone
Area 18
Cattle, muscle
7.3 ± 0.9
0.32
1.2
0.2
*The doses from uranium and plutonium-238 and -239, and to a lesser extent cesium-137, are not
delivered within the 1-year ingestion period, but, for simplification, the doses have been related
to the guide for 1 year. The doses for plutonium are actually for a 50-year period, but it should
be recognized that the doses are resulting from ingestion over a 1-year period.
The tritium
concentration
was
for
kidney.
It
is
assumed the muscle concentration (water plus
organic) per
kilogram
was
equal
to
that
of
the
kidney.
(. )
-------
OTHER ACTIVITIES
AREA 18 BEEF HERD
During 1977, the Animal Investigation Program’s beef herd continued to
graze in Area 18, which contains the surface ground zeros of several
atmospheric nuclear tests conducted in the sixties. Area 18 was also in the
fallout pattern of several underground devices detonated to produce
excavations under the Plowshare Program, and was downwind from the effluent
of nuclear reactor tests conducted in Area 400.
Semiannual roundups of the herd were made in May and October. At each
roundup, all captured cattle were examined, weighed, and sprayed for
ectoparasites. During the October 1977 roundup, 120 cattle, including 21
calves, were identified. The calves were transported to Area 15 where they
were weaned, branded, vaccinated, identified with ear tags and tattoos, and,
when necessary, dehorned, and the males castrated.
Selected animals were placed on an excess property list in an effort to
reduce the herd to a more manageable size. However, the drought conditions
that prevailed in the western states prevented any agency or institution
from picking them up as there was insufficient forage available for their
own herds.
DEER MIGRATION STUDY
As described previously (Smith et al., 1978a), a sizable mule deer herd
resides in the mountainous regions of the Nevada Test Site during the summer
months. The location of this herd during the winter months is of interest to
both the U.S. Department of Energy and the Nevada Department of Fish and Game
as these animals could be harvested by the general public if they eventually
reach unrestricted lands. A study designed to determine the migration
patterns of this herd through tracking of individual deer outfitted with
collars containing miniature radio transmitters was begun in 1975 and
continued through 1977.
Between July 21 and October 21, 19 deer were captured either by chemical
restraint of free—ranging animals (Smith et al., 1978a) or by trapping (Giles
1979). Thirteen of these deer were outfitted with radiotransmitting collars,
ear tags, and reflective identification numbers suspended from a collar. Six
deer were fitted with visual markers only. Two of these were small fawns and
the other four were bucks whose necks were too large for the radio
37
-------
transmitters. Deer number five, originally captured in 1976, was sacrificed
and sampled after he had been followed for a 1-year period and had completed a
normal migration cycle.
All of the 14 radio-equipped animals from the Echo Peak area, which
included four animals with transmitters applied in 1976, migrated south into
Area 30, Timber Mountain, and/or the 40-Mile Canyon areas (see figure 11).
Three of these deer moved from the Nevada Test Site into the area southwest of
Timber Mountain, which is known as Beatty Wash. A doe that traveled the
greatest distance initially moved from Echo Peak to the southern part of
40-Mile Canyon. She then moved to the western portion of Skull Mountain south
of the Nuclear Reactor area, where she stayed 3 or 4 days before moving back
into 40—Mile Canyon. She moved a total distance of 58 kilometers, line of
sight, from her point of capture.
Three animals from Rainier Mesa were captured and equipped with
radiotransmitter collars. One of these was a doe that was first captured in
October 1975 and recaptured in July 1977 within 100 meters of the original
capture site. Another was a crippled buck with a fractured leg that had
healed in a misaligned position. Despite its handicap, this animal was able
to travel and was in good physical condition. All of the Rainier Mesa animals
moved to Shoshone Mountain during the late fall of 1977 and remained there
until their return to Rainier Mesa in June 1978.
In contrast to the pattern observed during the mild winter of 1976 (Smith
et al., 1978b), marked deer did not remain on Rainier Mesa or in the Echo Peak
areas during the winter months. All the deer were on their winter range by
the middle of December and did not return to the summer range until the middle
of June. Individual deer dispersed over a wide area within their winter
ranges and extensive movements occurred between the weekly sightings. This
differs markedly from the summer observations in which deer seldom moved a
kilometer between weekly sightings.
One deer died of unknown causes while on Timber Mountain in an
inaccessible area. Two unsuccessful attempts were made to recover the radio
and determine the cause of death.
Six of the deer captured at the trap sites were mobilized with M-99. Due
to the long induction time (15 to 25 minutes), it was decided to use this drug
only on the trapped deer and continue with Sernylan® on the free-ranging
animals.
®Registered trademark
38
-------
7—--- -
Figure 11. 1977 Nevada Test Site mule deer migration areas.
39
-
40—MHe Cenyon *
hQ t sMt-
- - .
Winter Range
i Buffer Zone
Desert Game
Range
-------
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER POPULATION ESTIMATES
A spin-off benefit of the deer migration study was the establishment of a
sizeable number of identifiable deer on the Nevada Test Site. It was decided
to utilize this base population to derive a statistically valid estimate of
the deer population of the Nevada Test Site.
The initial problem called for estimates of yearly population size for
each of several subgroups (bucks, does, etc.) on each of the several areas of
the Nevada Test Site. It was also desired to estimate migration between areas
and monthly or seasonal trends. The data available were weekly counts of
marked and unmarked animals in each area.
The Jolly-Seber estimation algorithm can yield all the estimates desired
in an unbiased, statistically robust, and efficient manner. However, the
field conditions do not match the inherent underlying assumptions necessary
for Jolly-Seber estimates. The major difficulty is that for each observation
period all captured unmarked animals must be marked in order to use the
Jolly—Seber estimates. This condition cannot be satisfied when, as in this
study, the “capture” is the visual counting of a deer herd many yards away.
It was therefore necessary to significantly alter the original objectives
by deleting the estimates of migration and trends. A simple Lincoln (or
Peterson) index calculation was done for each week for each population on each
area (Seber 1973). It was necessary to derive separate population estimates
for each week because there was some observed migration of marked animals.
Simple yearly means, standard deviations, and confidence limits on population
size for each weekly data are presented in table 12. These estimates included
an average of 82 deer in the Echo Peak area, 32 in the Dead Horse Flats area,
and at least 10 additional animals in Area 20. An average of 43 animals were
thought to be in the Rainier Mesa area.
These population estimates are based on weekly sightings during the period
of July through Septenter and are restricted to areas readily accessible to
vehicular traffic and where marked deer are present. However, it seems
logical that these population estimates could be extrapolated to other Nevada
Test Site areas with similar water sources and habitat.
IINESTIGATIONS AND OTHER STUDIES
During 1977, there were no livestock damage claims against the U.S.
Department of Energy that required investigation. However, an investigation
was made of the deaths of five beef animals that strayed into Area 51. As the
animals had been dead for 7 to 10 days, a necropsy was not possible and a
definite cause of death was not determined. The deaths appeared to have been
sudden. Analyses of the sources of their drinking water were negative for
conmon toxins. There has been no recurrence of deaths of other cattle in the
area.
40
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TABLE 12. DEER POPULATION ESTIMATES BY THE LINCOLN INDEX METHOD
Echo
Sect
Area
Peak
ion
19
Dead Horse
Flats Section
Area 1 9
Area
20
Rainier Mesa
Section
Area 1 2
Bucks
Does*
Bucks Does
Bucks
Does
Bucks
Does
Mean
54.5
27.6
21.2 10.3
7.0
21.6
21.5
S.D.
12.9
15.0
10.8 4.4
4.0
10.3
14.5
C.I.
28.7-
80.3
26-
57.5
16- 4-
42.8 19.1
4-
15
5-
42.2
4-
50.6
*No marked does in this areä.
S.D. Standard Deviation
C.I. = Confidence Interval (95%)
During August, 21 mourning doves ( Zenodia macroura ) were captured at the
Area 15 farm and leg bands applied. No returns of these bands or of those
applied during 1976 have been reported. Hopefully, returns in the future will
give an indication of the migratory pattern of these birds from the Nevada
Test Site.
Rehabilitation of the natural springs of the Nevada Test Site continued
with the repair of flood damage at White Rock and Captain Jack springs. A new
waterline was installed at Captain Jack spring and the metal reservoir was
secured by bolting it to the bedrock.
PUBLIC INFORMATION
The off-site public information program continued by direct contact with
ranchers, by public displays, by lectures to civic organizations, and by
briefings of groups touring the Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory—Las Vegas or the Nevada Test Site facilities. During 1977, the
objectives and findings of the Animal Investigation Program were presented to
569 Nevada Test Site visitors in 17 different tour groups. Approximately 200
additional drop-in visitors to the farm received informal briefings.
A rumen-fistulated steer, “Big Sam,” was the feature attraction at an
educational exhibit at the Clark County Southern Nevada Youth Fair held in
March at the Las Vegas Convention Center. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000
people visited the display and heard “Big Sam’s” taped story and received
literature on the Animal Investigation Program’s objectives and findings (see
appendix K).
41
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REFER ENC ES
Brown, K. W. and B. J. Mason. Range Survey, Area 18, Nevada Test Site .
SWRHL-52r. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Ielfare,
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada.
42 pp. 1968
Brown, K. W., D. 0. Smith, and R. P. McQuivey. “Food Habits of Desert
Bighorn Sheep in Nevada 1956-1976.” pp. 32-61. In: Desert Bighorn.
Council 1977 Transactions . 63 pp. 1978
Diliman, L. 1. “Radionuclide decay schemes and nuclear parameters for use in
radiation-dose estimation.” Medical Internal Radiation Dose Committee
J. Nucl. Med . Supplement No. 2. March 1969
Essington, E. H., E. B. Fowler, R. 0. Gilbert, and L. L. Eberhardt.
“Plutonium, Americium, and Uranium Concentrations in Nevada Test Site Soil
Profiles.” IAEA—SM-199/76. pp. 157—173. In: Transuranium Nuclides in
the Environment . Proceedings of a Symposium in San Francisco, California,
November 17—21, 1975. IAEA, Vienna. 724 pp. 1976
Fountain, E. L. Off—Site Animal Investigation Project. Fourth Annual Report .
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Nevada Operations Office, Las Vegas,
Nevada. 32 pp. 1961
Giles, K. R. A Sumer Trapping Method for Mule Deer . EMSL-LV-0539-27, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 1979
Hagan, V. I. and G. Arrhenius. “Ion exchange in mixed solvent.” Talanta 10:
865. 1963
Hardy E., P. Krey, and H. Voichok. Global Inventory and Distribution of
L 8pu from SNAP—9A . HASL-250. U.S. Atomic Enerqy Commission.
March 1972
International Commission on Radiological Protection. Report of Comittee II
on Permissible Dose for Internal Radiation . ICRP Report No. 2. 1959
International Commission on Radiological Protection. Evaluation of Radiation
Doses to Body Tissues from Internal Contamination Due to Occupational
Exposure . ICRP Report No. 10. 1968
42
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Johns, F. B. National Environmental Research Center — Las Vegas Handbook of
Radiochemical Analytical Methods . EPA—680/4—75--OO1. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, National Enviromental Research Center, Las Vegas,
Nevada. 140 pp. 1975
Krey, P. W. and B. 1. Krajewski. “Plutonium Isotopic Ratios at Rocky Flats.”
I-!ASL--249. pp. 1-67. In: Health and Safety Laboratory Fallout Program
Quarterly Summat y Report . E. P. Hardy, Jr. I—i — F—i pp. 1972
Leavitt, V. D. Soil Survey of Area 18, Nevada Test Site . SWRHL-74r. U.S.
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Southwestern Radiological
Health Laboratory, Las Vegas,Nevada. 119 pp. 1970
Major, W. J., K. D. Lee, and R. A. Wessrnan. “Analysis of 239 Pu and 2 1 Am in
NAEG Large-Sizeed Bovine Samples.” NVO-153. pp. 449-463. In: The
Radioecology of Plutonium and Other Transuranics in Desert Environments .
M. G. White and P. B. Dunaway (eds.). U.S. Atomic Energy Commission,
Nevada Operations Office, Las Vegas, Nevada. 504 pp. 1975
Matlock, G. M., J. H. Patterson, C. B. Nelson, and C. R. Waterburg.
Dissolution Rates of 238 PuO 2 and 239 PuOz in 1 M Perchloric Acid .
UC-4. Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory. 1976
Merck and Company, Inc. The Merck Veterinary Manual . Fourth Edition.
0. H. Siegmund (ed.). Merck and Company, Inc., Rahway, New Jersey.
1,618 pp. 1973
Mitchell, R. F. “Electrodepositiort of actinide elements at tracer
concentrations.” Anal. Chem . 32:326. 1960
Monitoring Operations Division. Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Report for
the Nevada Test Site and Other Test Areas Used for Underground Nuclear
Detonations January Through December . EMSL-LV—0539-18. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support
Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 143 pp. 1978
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Basic Radiation
Protection Criteria . Report No. 39. 1971
Patterson, J. -1., C. B. Nelson, and C. M. Matlock. The Dissolution of
Plutonium—238 in Environmental and Biological Systems . LA-5624. Los
Alamos Scientific Laboratory. 6 pp. 1974
Romney, E. M., H. M. Mork, and K. H. Larson. “Persistance of plutonium in
soils, plants, and small mammals.” Health Physics 19:487—491. 1970
Seber, G. A. F. The Estimation of Animal Abundance , Griffin, London. pp.
59-60. 1973
43
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Smith, D. D. Management History of the AEC Beef Herd - 1 June 1964 -
1 June 1969 . SWRHL—80r. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada.
26 pp. 1970
Smith, 0. 0. and K. R. Giles. Animal Investigation Program 1969 Annual
Report . SWRHL-102r. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare,
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 20 pp.
1970
Smith, 0. 0. and K. R. Giles. Animal Investigation Program 1970 Annual
Report . NERC-LV—539—16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National
Enviromental Research Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. 53 pp. 1974
Smith, 0. 0. and K.R. Giles. 1971 Animal Investigation Program Annual
Report . NERC-LV—539-20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National
Environmental Research Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. 39 pp. 1975
Smith, D. 0., K. R. Giles, and 0. E. Bernhardt. Animal Investigation
Program 1972 Annual Report . NERC-LV—539—35. U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, National Enviromental Research Center, Las Vegas,
Nevada. 82 pp. 1976
Smith, 0. D., K. R. Giles, and 0. E. Bernhardt. Animal Investigation
Program 1973 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity .
EMSL-LV-0539—3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 31 pp. Apps A-H.
1977 a
Smith, D. 0., K. R. Giles, 0. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. Animal
Investigation Program 1974 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity .
EMSL-LV-0539-10. U .S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 37 pp. Apps A—L.
1977b
Smith, 0. 0., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. Animal
Investigation Program 1975 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity .
EMSL-LV—0539—14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 48 pp. Apps A-H.
1978a
Smith, 0. D., K. R. Giles, D. E. Bernhardt, and K. W. Brown. Animal
Investigation Program 1976 Annual Report: Nevada Test Site and Vicinity .
EMSL-LV-0539-20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada. 111 pp. 1978h
44
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Stanley, R. E., E. ti. Bretthauer, and W. U. Sutton. “Absorption,
Distribution, and Excretion of Plutonium by Dairy Cattle.” NVO-153. pp.
97-124. In: The Radloecology of Plutonium and Other Transuranics in
Desert Environments . Nevada Applied Ecology Group Progress Report. June
1975. M. G. White and P. B. Dunaway (eds.). U.S. Energy Research and
Development Administration, Las Vegas, Nevada. 504 pp. 1975
Talvitie, N. A. “Radiocheniical determination of plutonium in environmental
and biological samples by ion exchange.” Anal. Chem . 43:1827—1830. 1971
Talvitie, N. A. “Electrodeposition of actinides for alpha spectrometric
determination.” Anal Chem . 44:280-282. 1972
U.S. Department of Energy. “Standards for Radiation Protection Manual .“ U.S.
Department of Energy Transmittal Notice. Chapter 0524. March 30, 1977
Wish, L. and M. Rowell. Sequential Analysis of Tracer Amounts of Np, U, and
Pu in Fission—Product Mixtures by Anion Exchange . USNRDL—TR—117. Naval
Radiological Defense Laboratory, San Francisco, California. 34 pp.
October 11, 1956.
45
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LIST OF APPENDIXES
Appendix Page
A Sumary of Analytical Procedures and Minimum Detectable
Activities 49
B Radionuclide Concentrations in Tissue Samples Collected
from Beef Cattle, Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1977 50
Table
B-i Plutonium Concentrations in Lungs, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NTS, 1977 50
B-2 Plutonium Concentrations in Tracheobronchial Lymph Nodes,
Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, 1977 51
B-3 Plutonium Concentrations n Muscles, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NTS, 1977 52
B-4 Plutonium Concentrations in Livers, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NTS, 1977 53
B-5 Plutonium Concentrations in Gonads, Beef Cattle, Area 18,
NTS, 1977 54
B-6 Plutonium Concentrations in Rumen Contents, Beef Cattle,
Area 18, NTS, 1977 55
B-7 Plutonium Concentrations in Reticulum Sediments, Beef
Cattle, Area 18, NTS, 1977 56
B-8 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Femurs, Beef
Cattle, Area 18, NTS, May 1977 57
B-9 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Femurs, Beef
Cattle, Area 18, NTS, October 1977 58
B-lU Plutonium Concentrations in Whole Fetus. Beef Cattle,
Area 18, NTS, 1977
B-il Ganina-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, May 1977 60
B-12 Gama-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Beef Cattle, Area 18, NTS, October 1977 61
46
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LIST OF APPENDIXES (continued)
Appendix Page
C Radionuclide Concentrations in Tissue Samples Collected from
Other Ca tle, Nev da Test Site, 1977
Table
C-i Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Selected Tissues,
Other Cattle, NTS, 1977 62
C-2 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Other Cattle, NTS, 1977 63
Appendix
D Radionuclide Concentrations in Tissue Samples Collected from
Mule Deer, Nevada Test Site, 1977
Table
D-l Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Mule Deer,
NTS, 1977 64
D-2 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones (Hock),
Mule Deer, NTS, 1977 67
D-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Mule Deer, NTS, 1977 68
Appendix
E Radionuclide Concentrations is Tissue Samples Collected from
Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1977
Table
E-l Plutonium Concentrations in Lungs, Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1977 69
E-2 Plutonium Concentrations in Liver, Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1977 70
E-3 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Desert
Bighorn Sheep, 1977 71
E-4 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Desert Bighorn Sheep, 1977 72
Appendix
F Radionuclicle Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Coyotes,
Nevada Test Site, 1977
47
-------
LIST OF APPENDIXES (continued)
Table Page
F—] Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Selected Tissues,
Coyotes, NTS, 1977 73
1—2 Tritium and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide Concentrations in
Selected Tissues, Coyotes, NTS, 1977 74
Appendix
G Radionuclide Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 18, Nevada Test Site, 1977 75
Table
G—l Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 18, NTS, 1977 75
G-2 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Rabbits,
Area 18, NTS, 1977 76
G-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Rabbits, Area 18, NTS, 1977 77
Appendix
H Radionuclide Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 15, Nevada Test Site, 1977
Table
H—i Plutonium Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Rabbits,
Area 15, NTS, 1977 78
11—2 Plutonium and Strontium Concentrations in Bones, Rabbits,
Area 15, NTS, 1977 79
H-3 Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide and Tritium Concentrations
in Selected Tissues, Rabbits, Area 15, NTS, 1977 80
Appendix
I Plutonium, Strontium, Tritium, and Gamma-Emitting Radionuclide
Concentrations in Selected Tissues, Other Nevada Test Site
Wildlife, 1977 81
J Gross and Microscopic Pathologies Found in Necropsied Animals 82
K BigSam 89
48
-------
I-c
APPENDIX A. SUMMARY OF ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES AND MINIMUM DETECTABLE ACTIVITIES
*The minimum detectable activities 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 minimum detectable activities
were defined as those activities which produced ± 100 percent deviations at the 95 percent
confidence level. These values are approximations and are applicable to ideal conditions
and simple complexes of nuclides. Complex spectra or spectra showing naturally occurring
radjonuclides can raise the minimum detectable activities considerably. The detection limit
for each sample is defined as that radioactivity which equals the two-sigma counting error.
Type
al sis
y
Analytical
Equipment
Counting
Period
(mm)
Analytical
Procedures
Sample
Size
Minimum Detectable Activities
(pci/total somple)*
Ganxna
Spectroscopy
Lithium—drifted
germanium detectors
calibrated at
approximately
0.5 key per channel
input to 4096 chan-
nels resident in the
core of the POP
11/20 computer.
l,20O
Radionuclide concentrations
quantitated from ganina spec-
true by POP 11/20 computer
using a least squares
technique.
200—mi
aluminum
cans
For:
For:
For:
For:
60 Co, 95 Zr, 103 Ru, 2 Sb,
‘ 32 Te, 1311, 13 q , ‘ 37 Cs. ‘ Ba
7 pCi
‘ 25 Sb. ‘ 41 Ce - 30 pCi
65 Zn, 106 Ru, ‘ “Ce — 20 pCi
‘ 81 W — 85 pCi
for:
2 ’ i — 35 pCi
For:
22 Na — 4 pCI
For:
K - 0.08 g
B Sx OSr
Low-background thin-
window, gas-flow
proportional counter
with a 5.7—cm dia—
mater window
(80 xg/cm 2 ).
50
Chemical separation by Ion
exchange. Separated sample
counted successively;
activity calvulated by
simultaneous equations.
2 g of
ash
For:
89 Sr - 5 pCI
“Sr - 2 pCI
3 H
Automatic liquid
scintillation counter
with output printer.
2130
Sample prepared by distil-
lation.
5 ml
‘ O.2
pci/mi H 2 0
238239 Pu
23k , 235,
238 (J
Alpha spectrometer
with silicon surface
barrier detectors
operated In vacuum
chanders.
400-
1,400
Ash sample is digested with
acid, purified by solvent
extraction and/or ion
exchange, electroplated on
stainless steel planchet,
and counted by alpha
spectrometer.
100 g —
1 kg wet
weight
1 — 10 g
ash
For
all isotopes - ‘0.02 pCI
-------
TABLE B-i. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LUNGS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
<0.02 0.19 ± 0.03
1.3
<0.26 2.5 ± 0.4
2 <0.02 0.1 ± 0.02
1.9
<0.37 1.9 ± 0.4
0.02 ± 0.01 0.14 ± 0.03
1.7
0.34 ± 0.17 2.3 ± 0.5
Fetus 0.009 ± 0.004 0.006 ± 0.003
4.5
3 0.4 ± 0.2 0.25 ± 0.15
0.02 ± 0.01 0.1 ± 0.02
0.14 ± 0.07 0.7 ± 0.14 0.7
<0.02 <0.02
2.0
<0.4 <0.4
<0.02 0.1 ± 0.05
6 <0.2 1.0 ± 0.5 1.0
0.012 ± 0.005 0.12 ± 0.02
7
5.4
0.64 ± 0.27 6.4 ± 1.1
0.006 ± 0.004 0.03 ± 0.01
8
5.5
0.33 ± 0.22 1.7 ± 0.55
0.012 ± 0.006 0.12 ± 0.02
9
5.6
0.67 ± 0.34 6.7 ± 1.1
0.014 ± 0.008 0.07 ± 0.02
10
5.7
0.79 ± 0.45 4.0 ± 1.1
<0.004 0.011 ± 0.005
11 <0.18 0.5 ± 0.23 4.6
0.006 ± 0.003 0.006 ± 0.003
12
7.3
0.44 ± 0.22 0.44 ± 0.22
Median <0.02 0.1 1 7
0.34 1.0
0.009 0.05
5.6
0.54 2.9
Range O.009-<0.02 0.006-0.19 0.7-
0.14—0.4 0.25—2.5 4.5
<0.004-0.014 0.006-0.12 4.6-
<0.18-0.79 0.44-6.7 7.3
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE B-2. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN TRACHEOBRONCHIAL LYMPH NODES,
BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, MIS, 1977
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
i 0.05 ± 0.02 1.2 ± 0.14
5.9
2.9 ± 1.2 71 ± 25
2 <0.02 0.26 ± 0.15
6.5
<1.3 17 ± 10
0.09 ± 0.04 1.2 ± 0.15
8.1
7.3 ± 3.3 100 ± 12
<0.02 <0.02
5.9
<1.1 <1.1
<0.1 <0.02
3.5
<3.5 <0.71
<0.09 <0.02
6 <12 <2.5 13
0.69 ± 0.34 14 ± 1.8
1.1
7
7.4 ± 3.6 150 ± 19
0.11 ± 0.07 0.44 ± 0.14
2.2
8
2.4 ± 1.5 9,7 ± 3.1
0.18 ± 0.08 1.9 ± 0.3
8.5
9
15 ± 6.8 160 ± 26
<0.02 0.08 ± 0.035
16.5
10
<4 13 ± 5.8
<0.006 <0.006
25.7
11
<1.5 <1.5
0.04 ± 0.02 0.02 ± 0.01
29
12 12 ± 5.8 5.8 ± 2.9
<0.07 <0.14 6 2
Median
<3.2 <9.8
0.075 0.26
12.5
5.7 11.4
<0.02-<0.1 <0.02-1.2 3.5-
Range <1.1—<12 <0.71-100 13
<0.006-0.69 <0.006-14 1.1-
<1.5-15 <1.5-160 29
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE B-3. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN MUSCLES, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (‘ )
<0.02 <0.02
3.8
<0.76 <0.76
<0.02 <0.02
2.9
2 <0.59 <0.59
<0.02 <0.02
2
<0.4 <0.4
Fetus 0.02 ± 0.01 <0.001
5.2
3 1.2 ± 0.5 <0.057
<0.02 <0.02
1.8
<0.35 <0.35
<0.02 <0.02
1.1
<0.22 <0.22
0.02 ± 0.01 0.71 ± 0.09
1
6 0.21 ± 0.1 7.3 ± 0.9
0.003 ± 0.002 0.03 ± 0.01
7
6
0.18 ± 0.12 1.8 ± 0.6
<0.003 <0.006
5.1
8
<0.15 <0.31
0.005 ± 0.004 <0.002
5.3
9
0.27 ± 0.21 <0.13
<0.004 0.007 ± 0.004
4.7
10
<0.19 0.33 ± 0.19
<0.004 0.009 ± 0.007
6
11
<0.24 0.53 ± 0.42
0.01 ± 0.004 <0.003
6
12
0.6 ± 0.2 <0.18
<0.02 <0.02 2 3
Median
<0.4 <0.4
<0.004 <0.007
5.7
<0.22 <0.32
<0.02-0.02 <0.001-0.71 1-
Range 0.21-1.2 <0.057-7.3 5.2
<0.003-0.01 <0.002-0.03 4.7-
<0.15-0.6 <0.13-1.8 6
N)
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE B—4. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LIVERS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCilkg*)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
NO. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
<0.02 <0.02
1 <1.2 <1.2 6.3
<0.02 <0.02
2 <0.93 <0.93 4.7
<0.02 <0.02
<1 <1 4.9
Fetus 0.004 ± 0.002 <0.001
6.9
3 0.24 ± 0.12 <0.062
<0.02 0.16 ± 0.03
1.4
<0.28 2.2 ± 0.4
<0.02 <0.02
<0.36 <0.36 1.8
<0.02 0.03 ± 0.01
1.8
6 <0.35 0.53 ± 0.18
0.006 ± 0.003 0.03 ± 0.01
7 0.42 ± 0.21 2.1 ± 0.7
<0.004 0.02 ± 0.01
6.8
8 <0.27 1.4 ± 0.7
0.007 ± 0.005 0.07 ± 0.02
5.9
0.41 ± 0.27 4.1 ± 1.2
0.003 ± 0.002 0.03 ± 0.01
6
10
0.18 ± 0.12 1.8 ± 0.6
0.01 ± 0.005 0.03 ± 0.01
7
11
0.69 ± 0.35 2.1 ± 0.7
0.01 ± 0.004 <0.03
6.4
12 0.64 ± 0.26 <0.19
<0.02 <0.02 4 7
Median <0.36 <0.93 .
0.007 0.03
6.6
0.42 1.9
Range 0.004-czO.02 <0.001-0.16 1.4-
0.24—<1.2 <0.062-2.2 6.9
0.003-0.01 0.02—0.07 5.9.
0.18-0.69 <0.19—4.1 7
*Wet weight
0,
-------
TABLE B-S.
PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN GONADS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
238 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCilg Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (%)
Samples not collected for animals 1-6
0.07 ± 0.04 0.09 ± 0.05
4.6
3.2 ± 1.9 4.2 ± 2.3
0.13 ± 0.09 0.13 ± 0.09
2
8 2.5 ± 1.8 2.5 ± 1.8
<0.04 <0.03
4
<1.6 <1.2
<0.003 <0.004
3.9
10 <0.12 <0.16
0.02 ± 0.01 <0.004
5.4
1.1 ± 0.53 <0.21
0.011 ± 0.008 0.009 ± 0.007
4.2
12 0.46 ± 0.34 0.38 ± 0.29
<0.03 <0.02
4.4
Median
<1.4 <0.79
<0.003-0.13 <0.004-0.13 2-
Range <0.12-3.2 <0.16—4.2 5.4
*Wet weight
U,
-------
TABLE B—6.
PLUTOflIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN RUMEN CONTENTS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, MIS, 1977
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
<0.02 0.06 ± 0.01
1 <0.29 0.88 ± 0.15 1.5
0.06 ± 0.02 1.1 ± 0.16
2
2 1.2 ± 0.4 21 ± 3
<0.02 0.05 ± 0.01
<0.5 1.3 ± 0.3 2 5
0.17 ± 0.03 0.91 ± 0.12
4.5
7.6 ± 1.3 41 ± 5
0.03 ± 0.01 0.19 ± 0.03
1.9
0.57 ± 0.19 3.5 ± 0.5
6 0.07 ± 0.01 0.27 ± 0.03
1.9
1.3 ± 0.2 5 ± 0.5
0.07 ± 0.01 0.45 ± 0.04
2.8
7 1.9 ± 0.28 12 ± Li
0.04 ± 0.02 0.43 ± 0.09
8
3
1.2 ± 0.59 13 ± 2.7
0.06 ± 0.02 0.15 ± 0.03
4.1
2.4 ± 0.81 6.1 ± 1.2
0.012 ± 0.007 0.13 ± 0.03
2.8
10
0.3 ± 0.19 3.6 ± 0.83
0.008 ± 0.006 0.13 ± 0.03
3.5
11
0.28 ± 0.21 4.5 ± I
0.02 ± 0.005 0.19 ± 0.02
4.3
12
0.98 ± 0.21 8.1 ± 0.85
Median 0.05 0.23 2
0.79 4.8
0.03 0.17
3.3
1.1 7.1
Range <0.02-0.17 0.05-1.1 1.5-
<0.29-7.6 0.88-41 4.5
0.008—0.07 0.13-0.45 2.8-
0.28-2.4 3.6-13 4.3
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE B—7. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN RETICULUM SEDIMENTS, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
U,
MAY 1977
OCTOBER 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pci/kg*) (%)
238 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
0.34 ± 0.04 0.58 ± 0.05
50
168 ± 20 287 ± 25
<0.02 <0.02
68
2 <14 <14
<0.02 0.03 ± 0.01
71
<14 21 ± 7
<0.02 0.26 ± 0.7
4
53
<10 138 ± 37
<0.02 0.09 ± 0.02
42
<8.4 38 ± 8
<0.02 0.05 ± 0.01
13
6 <10 26 ± 5
2.3 ± 0.24 93 ± 9.3
7
75
1,700 ± 180 70,000 ± 7,000
0.27 ± 0.3 0.94 ± 0.09
81
8
218 ± 24 760 ± 72
0.09 ± 0.02 0.4 ± 0.05
9
99
89 ± 20 400 ± 49
0.5 ± 0.06 25 ± 2.3
69
10
340 ± 41 17,000 ± 1,600
0.47 ± 0.05 2 ± 0.15
56
11
260 ± 28 1,100 ± ± 80
0.24 ± 0.04 0.97 ± 0.1
32
12
76 ± 13 310 ± 32
Median <0.02 0.07 52 r
<12 32
0.37 1.5
72
240 980
<0.02-0.34 <0.02-0.58 13-
Range <8.4-168 <14-287 71
0.09-2.3 0.4-93 32-
76-1,700 310-70,000 99
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE B-8.
PLUTONIUM AND
BEEF CATTLE,
STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN FEMURS,
AREA 18, NTS, MAY 1977
Dup’l. <0.01
1 <2.9
Dupi. <0.01
3 <2.8
Dupi. <0.01
4 <2.4
<0.02
<4
<0.01
‘ ‘ <1.9
*Wet weight
tStrontiurn analysis
<0.02
<5.8
<0.01
<2.8
<0.01
<2.4
<0.02
<4
<1.3
<260
<1.2
<220
3.4 ± 0.7
670 ± 140
3.1 ± 0.63
580 ± 120
238 Pu
2 9 PU
89 Srj-
90 Srt
Ash
Animal
No.
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/ky*)
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(°
‘°
1
<0.01
<2.9
<0.02
<5.9
<1.2
<370
3.3 ±
1,000 ±
0.63
190
2
<0.01
<2.3
<0.01
<2.3
<1.2
<270
3.6
820
±
±
0.61
140
<0.02
<5.5
<0.02
<5.5
<1.4
<380
2.8
770
±
±
0.68
190
Fetus
3
<0.01
<1.1
<0.01
<1.1
<1.1
<120
2.4
260
±
±
0.52
57
<0.01
<2.4
<0.02
<4.7
<1.4
<330
3.2
760
±
±
0.71
120
30
30
23
28
28
11
24
24
20
19
<0.02
<3.8
Median
<0.01
<2.6
<0.02
<3.9
<1.2
<270
3.2
760
24
Range
<0 .01-
-------
TABLE B-9. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN FEMURS,
BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, OCTOBER 1977
Animal
No.
2 38pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
239 Pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
89 Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCiIkg*)
90 Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
<0.002
<0.62
<0.003
<0.81
<8.5
<2,300
4.1 ± 0.8
1,700 ± 220
27
8
<0.002
<0.86
0.003 O..003
1.1 t 1.0
<2.4
<880
3 ± 0.7
1,100 ± 260
<0.003
<0.81
0.005 ± 0.003
1.5 ± 0.93
<9.3
< ,7OO
3.8 ± 0.9
1,100 ± 260
29
10
<0.003
<0.76
<0.003
<0.97
<8
<2,400
4.3 ± 0.8
1,300 ± 240
30
<0.002
<0.39
0.011 ± 0.004
2.5 ± 0.80
<4.3
<1,000
3.8 ± 0.83
870 ± 190
23
12
<0.002
<0.25
<0.003
<0.47
<2.3
<320
2.9 ± 0.7
400 ± 98
14
Median
<0.002
<0.69
<0.003
<1
<6.2
<1,700
3.8
1,100
28
Range
-------
TABLE B-1O. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN WHOLE FETUS,
BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
Animal
No.
2 38pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
239 Pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
Fetus
8
0.01 ± 0.003
0.44 ± 0.13
0.09 ± 0.02
4 ± 0.88
4.4
Fetus
9
<0.015
<0.38
<0.006
<0.15
2.5
59
-------
TABLE B—il. GAMMA-EMiTTING RADIONUCLIDES AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NfS, MAY 197
K (glkg*) K (gikg< K (g/kg*) H (pCi/1
Cs pCi/kg) ‘ 3 Cs (pCiRg*)
__ __ -
6.3 : 0.6 2 1.1 3.o 0.8 27O
HDA
-------
TABLE B-12. GAMMA—EMITTING RADIONUCLIDES AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, BEEF CATTLE, AREA 18, NTS, OCTOBER 1977
MUSCLE
LUNGS
L 1 ER
KIDNEY
RUNEN CONTENTS
T 1YROID
BLOOD
Animal
No.
K (g/kg*)
K (gJkg*}
Zr (pCi/kg*)
K (g/kg*)
K (g/kg )
‘Cs (pCl/kg*)
K (g/kg*) ft (pCi/ga)
lr (pci/kg)
3 Ru (pCi/kg*)
‘Cs (pCi/kg*)
Ce (pCi/kg*)
1 H (pCi/i)
7
8.8 ± 0.7
3.3 ± 0.4
160 ± 72
7.5 ± 0.6
1
I
2.1 t 0.24
-------
TABLE C-i. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
OTHER CATTLE, NTS, 1977
238 Pu 239 Pu 89 Sr 90 Sr Ash
Tissue Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
Type No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
Lungs 251 <0.003 <0.004 NA NA 7
<0.21 <0.28
Lungs 761 0.082 ± 0.024 1.8 ± 0.12 NA NA 1.7
1.4 ±0.4 30 ±2
Muscles 251 <0.002 0.01 ± 0.005
NA NA 5.9
<0.12 0.59 ± 0.3
Muscles 761 <0.02 <0.02
NA NA 4.8
<0.97 <0.97
Liver 251 <0.005 0.005 ± 0.004
NA NA 8.6
<0.43 0.43 ± 0.34
Liver 761 <0.02 0.09 ± 0.009
NA NA 4.4
<0.87 3.9 ± 0.4
Femur 251 <0.002 <0.002 <2.4 1.7 ± 0.6 41
<0.87 <0.78 <1,000 710 ± 230
Femur 761 <0.002 0.004 ± 0.002 <1.1 2.2 ± 0.44 32
<0.78 1.2 ± 0.8 <340 700 ± 140
Rumen 251 0.009 ± 0.005 0.27 ± 0.04
NA NA 1.5
Content 0.13 ± 0.07 4.1 ± 0.6
Rumen 761 _____________________ _______________________
Content SAMPLE NOT COLLECTED
*Wet weight
NA = Not analyzed
62
-------
TABLE C—2.
GAMMA-EMITTING RPIDIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
OTHER CATTLE, NIS. 1977
*Wet weight
tAnimal numbers 348 and 221 were surplus Holstein dairy cows and animal number 517 was a surplus
Hereford bull; these three animals were removed from the Area 15 herd on September 30. Thyroid
samples were collected to monitor the iodine-131 in the worldwide fallout from the atmospheric
nuclear detonation conducted by the People’s Republic of China on September 17.
SNC = Sample not collected
-------
TABLE D—1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
MULE DEER, fITS, 1977
luNGS
GONADS
-, ‘Pu 2 3 9 p 11 Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCl/g Ash)
No. (pC /kg*) (pC /kg*)
2 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
0.O03 <0.003
1 <0.12
0.O2 <0.02
2 <0.68 <0.68
Fetus 0.02 0.01 <0.002
2.7
2 0.4 0.31 <0.058
<0.04 <0.04
<0.59 <0.59 1.5
0.009 t 0.005 0.009 1 0.005
0.52 0.29 0.52 0.29 5.8
Dupi. <0.004 <0.005
5.4
4 <0.21 <0.27
<0.004 0.005 • 0 002
<0.25 0.32 0.19 6.3
0.004 ± 0.002 0.01 0.002 6 7
6 0.27 t 0.14 0.67 t 0.14 .
<0.02 <0.02
‘1.2 <1.2 5.8
<0.02 <0.02
<1.2 <1.2 5.8
<0.01 <0.02 0.8
-------
TABLE D-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
MULE DEER, NTS, 1977 (continued)
LIVERS
MUSCLE
23 ”Pu Ash
Animal (pCifg Ash) (pci/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg) (pCi/kg*)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*} t%)
1 ‘0.01
4.5
<0.45 <0.45
<0.01 <0.01
4.5
<0.45 <0.45
<0.02 <0.02
2 <0.65 <0.65
Fetus <0.003 <0.011 4 2
2 <0.11 <0.45
<0.02 <0.02
5.7
<1.1 <1.1
0.01 x 0.008 0.02 t 0.01
5.4
0.54 i 0.43 0.97 ± 0.54
DupI. <0.005 <0.003
2.3
4 <0.12 <0.07
<0.004 0.005 ± 0.002 8.3
S
<0.34 0.43 0.17
<0.003 <0.008
2.3
6 <0.19 <0.5
<0.02 <0.02
<0.31 <0.31
<0.02 <0.02
<1.2 <1.2 .9
<0.01 <0.01
4.4
1
<0.44 <0.44
<0.02 <0.02
4.7
2
<0.94 <0.94
Dupl. <0.06 <0.04 11
2 <0.63 <0.42
Fetut <0.01 <0.01
4.8
2 <0.48 <0.48
<0.02 <0.02
3.6
3
<0.71 <0.71
<0.02 0.004 ± 0.003
6.1
4
<0.12 0.24 ± 0.18
Dupi. <0.007 ‘0.005
6
4 ‘0.42 <0.3
0.004 0.003 0.013 ± 0.004
0.3 ± 0.22 0.97 ± 0.3
0.01 ± 0.005 0.02 ± 0.01
6
0.66 t 0.33 1.3 ± 0.56
7 • SAMPLE NOT COLLECTED
<0.02 <0.02
8 <0.88 <0.88
<0.01 0.01
3.9
Median
<0.45 ‘0.45
<0.015 <0.01
-------
TABLE D—1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
MULE DEER, fITS, 1977 (continued)
RUMEN
CONTENTS
Animal
No.
23 Pu
(pCi/g Ash)
pCi/kg*) -
239 Pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
(%)
1
<0.003
0.073
0.04 1 0.008
Li ± O 22
2.9
2
O.O2
<0.39
O.O2
<0.39
1.9
0.05 0.04
0.67 ± 0.54
<0.02
<0.27
1.4
0.02 ± 0.01
i.1 i 0.4
0.04 i 0.01
2.9 ± 0.73
6.6
Fetus
4
0.0O6
<0.32
0.01 ± 0.05
0.54 ± 0.27
0.07 ± 0.02
1.7 ± 0.47
0.26 t 0.4
6.2 ± 0.96
2.4
6
0.01 ± 0.004
0.68 ± 0.27
0.04 i 0.01
2.7 t 0.68
6.8
0.03 0.01
L I 0.35
0.48 t 0.06
17 ± 2.1
8
0.03 t 0.01
0.86 ± 0.29
0.05 ± 0.02
1.4 ± 0.57
2.9
Median
0.02
0.86
0.04
1.40
2.9
Range
<0.003-0.07
<0.073-1.7
0.01-0.48
0.27-17
1.9-
6.8
*Wet weight
tLaboratory duplicate samples
66
-------
TABLE D—2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES (HOCK),
MULE DEER, NIS. 1977
Animal
No.
2 38pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
239 Pu 89 Sr 90 Sr
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
Ash
1
<0.02
<5.2
<0.04 <1.3 1.8 ± 0.42
<10 <350 460 ± 110
26.1
2
<0.02
<5.4
<0.04 <1.4 2.7 ± 0.63
<10 <370 730 ± 170
27
Fetus
2
<0.02
<4.3
<0.04 <1.2 1.8 ± 0.52
<8.5 <250 370 ± 110
21
<0.007
<0.7
<0.013 <1.2 1.9 ± 0.62
<1.2 <110 180 ± 59
9.5
0.003 ± 0.002
0.89 ± 0.59
0.006 ± 0.003 2.8 ± 2 2.4 ± 0.58
2.1 ± 0.97 970 660 800 ± 190
0.005 ± 0.003
1.4 ± 0.76
0.01 ± 0.003 <0.3 1.4 ± 0.63
3.4 ± 1 <890 430 ± 190
30
6
7
<0.004
<1.2
<0.002 <1.6 1.3 ± 0.5
<0.72 <520 410 ± 160
SAMPLE NOT COLLECTED
32
-
. - -- .- — -
---
-÷
8
<0.01
<2.2
<0.01 <7.3 2 ± 0.64
<2.2 <1,600 450 ± 140
22
Dupi.
8
0.02 ± 0.01
4.4 ± 2.2
0.01 ± 0.01
2.2 ± 22 NA NA
22
Median
<0.01
<2.2
0.01 <1.35 1.85
2.2 <445 445
27
Range
0.003-0.02
<0.7-4.4
-------
TABLE 0—3. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, MULE DEER, NTS, 1977
MUSCLE
LUNGS
LIVER
KIDNEY
RUMEN CONTENTS
THYROID
KIDNEY*
Animal
No.
K (g/kgt)
‘ 37 Cs (pClfkgt)
K (g/kgt)
95 Zr (pCi/kgt)
K (g/kgt)
‘ 37 Cs (pCl/kgi)
“Zr (pCi/kgl)
K (gfkg )
137 Cs (pCl/kgl)
K (g/kgj.)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kgt)
95 2r (pCl/kgt)
‘I
(pCi/gt)
Il (pCi/i)
1
7.7 ± 0.6
-------
TABLE E-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LUNGS, DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1977
<0.02
7.8
<1.6
0.02 ± 0.01
4.3
0.87 ± 0.43
<0.02
7.4
<1.5
SAMPLE NOT COLLECTED -
<0.02 ± 0.01
6.4
<1.3 ± 0.64
<0.02
5.3
<1.1
<0.02
5.4
<1.1
-------
TABLE E-2. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN LIVER, DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1977
(pCi/g Ash)
No. (pCl/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
(pCi/g (%)
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
1
—
SAMPLE
NOT
COLLECTED
2
<0.02
<1.4
0.03
2.1
± 0.01
± 0.71
7.1
3
<0.02
<2.2
<0.02
<2.2
10.8
4
+
SAMPLE
NOT
COLLECTED
-
5
<0.02
<1.4
0.14
9.9
± 0.03
± 2.1
‘7.1
6
÷-
—
SAMPLE
NOT
COLLECTED
—‘-
7
<0.02
<0.58
<0.02
<0.58
2.9
8
<0.02
<1.3
<0.02
<1.3
6.5
4
SAMPLE
NOT
COLLECTED
+
<0.02
<2.1
<0.02
<2.1
10.6
-
SAMPLE
NOT
COLLECTED
<0.02
<1.4
0.02
1.4
± 0.01
± 0.71
7.1
13
<0.02
<1.5
0.02
1.5
± 0.01
± 0.77
14
<0.02
<2.0
<0.02
<2.0
15
<0.02
<0.75
<0.02
<0.75
16
<0.02
<2.8
<0.02
<2.8
17
18
19
20
<0.02
<0.77
<0.02
<0.77
SAMPLE NOT
<0.02
<2.2
SAMPLE NOT
COLLECTED
COLLECTED
<0.02
<2.2
7.7
9.9
3.7
14.1
3.8
9
10
11
12
-r
11.0
-4
Median
<0.02
<1.4
<<0.02
<2.0
7.1
Range
<0.02-<0.02
<0.58-2.8
<0.02—0.14
<0.58-9.9
2.9—
14.1
rWet weight
-------
TABLE E-3. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES,
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1977
Pu
-------
TABLE E-4. GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS
IN SELECTED TISSUES, DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP, 1977
Animal
No.
K
Zr
LUNGS
LIVER
KIDNEY
LUNGS
LIVER
KIDNEY
(g/kg*)
(pCi/kg*)
K
‘ 37 Cs
(gJkg*)
(pCl/kg*)
K
7 Cs
II
(gftg*)
(pCi/kg*)
(pCiJl)
Animal
No.
K
95 Zr
(g/kg*)
(pCi/Kg*)
K
‘ 37 Cs
(g/kg )
(pCijkg*)
K
‘ 7 Cs
3 H
(g/kg*)
(pCi/kg)
(pCi/1)
1
-------
TABLE F-i. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, COYOTES, NTS, 1977
Animal
No.
238 Pu
239 Pu
89 Sr
90 Sr
Ash
and
Tissue
Type
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(pCifg Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
(%)
1 0.03 ± 0.1 <0.01 <7 17 ± 2.6 27
Bone 8 ± 2.7 <2.7 <1,900 4,700 ± 690
2 <0.003 <0.0028 <0.77 0.77 ± 0.36 22
Bone <0.65 <0.62 <170 170 ± 80
1 <0.02 0.02 ± 0.01
NA NA 5.3
Muscle <1.1 1.1 ± 0.53
2 0.004 ± 0.003 <0.003 NA NA 6.8
Muscle 0.27 ± 0.2 <0.2
NA NA NA NA NA
Kidney
2 NA NA NA NA NA
Kidney
1 <0.02 0.02 ± 0.01 NA NA 10.5
Liver <2.1 2.1 ± 1.1
2 <0.005 <0.001 NA NA 6.9
Liver <0.34 <0.069
1 <0.02 0.17 ± 0.03 NA NA 6
Lung <1.2 10 ± 1.8
2 <0.002 0.020 ± 0.010 NA NA 4
Lung <0.08 0.60 ± 0.48
1 <0.02 0.74 ± 0.5 NA NA 9.4
Skin <1.9 70 ± 47
2 0.008 ± 0.006 0.03 ± 0.01 NA NA 10.7
Skin 0.86 ± 0.65 2.9 ± 1.2
1 0.47 ± 0.08 25 ± NA NA 11
Stomach C. 52 ± 8.8 2,700 ± 330
2 . 0.03 ± 0.01 0.65 ± 0.10 NA NA 16.9
Stomach C. 5.1 ± 2 2 110 ± 17
NA = Not analyzed
73
-------
TABLE F-2. TRITIUM AND GAMMA-EMITTING R 4 4DIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS
IN SELECTED TISSUES, COYOTES, NTS, 1977
Animal 3 H K ‘ 37 Cs 95 Zr
No. (pCi/i) (g/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
1
NA NA NA NA
Bone
2
NA NA NA NA
Bone
1
NA 8.6 ± 0.65 150 ± 36
-------
TABLE G-1. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
MUSCLES
An ma 1
No.
INTERNAL ORGANS G. 1. TRACT SKIN
(J1
Jbpu 23 ’ Pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*) (pCl/kg*)
239 Pu 239 Pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*)
238 Pu 2 Pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
(pCi/ky*) (pCl/kg*)
1
2
0.012 0.006 <0.002
0.68 ± 0.32 <0.11
0.004 0.003 0.004 x 0.003
0.29 t O.2 i 0.29 t 0.23 7.8
<0.001 <0.004
‘0.09 <0.37
0.001 0.006 0.004
<0.039 0.43 ± 0.26 6.6
<0.007 <0.006
<0.51 <0.38 6.8
<0.005 0.03 0.02
9.2
<0.48 2.4 ± 2.2
<0.001 <0.003
<012 <0.22 8.3
0.03 ± 0.01 0.02 ± 0.01 2
2.4 ± 0.84 1.8 ± 0.72 ‘
0.013 i 0.007 0.03 ± 0.01
0.73 ± 0.38 1.7 ± 0.6 5.6
0.02 ± 0.01 0.06 ± 0.02
1.3 ± 0.61 4.4 ± 1.2 7.6
<0.02 0.13 ± 0.03
<0.98 6.4 ± 1.5
0.09 ± 0.02 0.45 ± 0.05 5 8
52 ± 1.2 26 ± 3
0.011 ± 0.007 0.04 ± 0.01
0.87 ± 0.53 2.7 ± 0.98 ‘
<0.01 0.03 ± 0.01 s 6
<0.56 1.7 ± 0.6 ‘
0.07 t 0.03 0.3 ± 0.07 17
13 1 4.4 51 ± 11
0.05 ± 0.01 0.18 ± 0.03
13
6.5 ± 1.7 23 ± 3.6
0.03 ± 0.02 0.37 ± 0.11
9.7
2.9 i 1,9 36 ± 1
0.04 ± 0.02 0.29 ± 0.06 7,6
3 ± 1.5 22 5
0.06 1 0.02 0.42 ± 0.07
12
7.1 ± 2.5 49 i 8J
<0.02 0.15 ± 0.4
10
<2 15 ± 4
Median
0.004 0.004 6 8
0.29 <0.37
0.013 0.03 8 3
0.73 LB
<0.02 0.13 8
<0.98 6.4
0.04 0.29
10
3 23
Range
‘0.001-0.012 <0.002-0.006 5.7- <0.001-0.03 <0.003-0.06 5.6-
<0.039-0.68 <0.11-0.43 9.3 <0.12-2.4 <0.22-4.4 9.2
<0.01-0.09 0.03-0.45 4.9- <0.02-0.06 0.15—0.42 7.6-
<0.56—13 1.7-51 17 <2-7.1 15-49 13
Wet weight
-------
TABLE 0—2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES,
RABBITS, AREA 18, IffS, 1977
Animal
No.
238 Pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
239 Pu
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
89 Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
90 Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
(%)
1
<0.01
<1.4
<0.01
<1.4
<2.7
<380
3.6 ± 0.79
500 ± 110
14
2
<0.01
<1.7
<0.01
<1.7
<7.6
<1,300
10 ± 1.3
1,700 ± 220
17
<0.01
<0.8
<0.01
<0.8
<9.2
<730
15 ± 2.7
1,200 ± 210
7.9
‘
<0.01
<
<0.02
-------
TABLE G-3. GAMMA—EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS, AREA 18, NTS, 1977
Animal
No.
MUSCLE
INTERNAL ORGANS
SKIN
G. I. TRACT
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
3 H (pCi/i)
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
95 Zr (pCi/kg*)
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
95 Zr (pCi/kg*)
1
8.6 ± 0.59
-------
co
TABLE H-i. PLUTONIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
RABBITS, AREA 15, NTS, 1977
Animal
No.
MUSCLES
INTERNAL ORGANS
C. I. TRACT SKIN
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCifkg*) (pCi/kg’) )
23ePu 239 Pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCI/kg’) (pCi/kg’)
238 Pu 239 Pu Ash
(pClIg Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (%)
(pCi/kg’) (pCI/kg’)
238 Pu 23 9 pu Ash
(pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash)
(pCI/kg’) (pCI/kg’)
1
2
6
Sample Lost— ,
‘0.003 0.008 ± 0.005 s g
<0.18 0.47 ± 0.3
0.006 ± 0.004 0.02 ± 0.01 5 2
0.31 t 0.21 1.3 ± 0.4 ‘
0.006 ± 0.004 0.04 ± 0.01
0.33 * 0.22 2.4 ± 0.66 ‘
0.011 ± 0.006 0.02 ± 0.01
0.6 ± 0,33 1.1 t 0.43
0.007 ± 0.004 0.02 ± 0.01
0.38 a 0.22 0.92 a 0.38
<0.004 0.16 ± 0.03
4.8
<0.2 7.9 ± 1,5
<0.003 0.04± 0,01
4.8
<0.14 1.8 ± 0.58
<0.002 0.07 ± 0.02 5 6
<0.11 4 ±
0.009 ± 0.006 0.01 ± 0.02 6 2
0.56 0.31 4.5 ±
0.005 ± 0.004 0.07 ± 0.02
0.26 ± 0.21 3.6 ± 0.8
0.01 ± 0.007 0.09 ± 0.02 5
0.51 a 0.36 4.7 ± 1.2
0.06 ± 0.02 2.7 ± 0.9
1.1 ± 0.1 50 ± 5
0.07 ± 0.02 1.9 ± 0.3 4 2
2.9 * 0.8 80 ± 10
0.06 ± 0.02 0.79 ± 0.1 3 2
1.9 ± 0.6 25 ± 3
0.08 ± 0.04 3.1 ± 0.7 5 2
4.1 t 2 160 ± 40
0.14 ± 0.03 3 ± 0.4
5.6 ± 1.2 120 ± 20
1.7 ± 0.03 6.5 ± 0.8
9.1 ± 1.7 370 ± 50 .
10.7
0.52 ± 0.08 27 ± 2.5
56 ± 8.5 2,900 ± 270
0.29 ± 0.09 12 ± 2
28 ± 9 1,200 ± 200
0.07 ± 0.02 1.3 ± 0.14
10
6.6 ± 2.2 130 ± 14
10.2
0.34 * 0.08 15 ± 2
35 ±8 1,500 ± 200
10.5
0.37 ± 0.06 12 ± 1
32 ± 6 1,300 ± 100
10
0.23 ± 0.04 5.9 ± 0.5
23 ± 4 580 ± 50
Median
0.006 0.02
0.33 1.1
<0.005 0.07 5 2
<2.3 4.3 .
0:075 2.9
3.5 100
10.1
0.3 12
30 1,300
9.7-
Range
<0.003-0.011 0.008-0.04 5.2- <0.002-0.01 0.04-0.16 4.8-
<0.18.0.6 0.47-2.4 5, <0.11-0.56 1,8-7.9 6.?
0.06-1.7 0.79-6.5 3.2-
1.1-9.1 25-370 5.7
0.07-0.52
6.6-56 130-2,900 10.7
*Wet weight
-------
TABLE H-2. PLUTONIUM AND STRONTIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN BONES,
RABBITS, AREA 15, NIS, 1977
238 Pu 2 9 Pu 89 5r 90 Sr Ash
Animal (pCi/g Ash) (pCiJg Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (pCi/g Ash) (fl
No. (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) (pCi/kg*) 0
<0.01 <0.01 <3.1 <0.67 21
<2 <2 <650 <140
2 <0.01 <0.01 <6.9 11 ± 1.3 16
<1.6 <1.6 <1,100 1,700 ± 200
<0.01 <0.01 <6.5 8 ± 1.1 20
<2 <2 <1 ,300 1 ,600 ± 230
<0.02 <0.02 <3 4 ± 0.86 14
<2.8 <2.8 <420 560 ± 120
<0.01 <0.01 <6.9 5.6 ± 1.1 16
<1.7 <1.7 1, 10 0 890 ± 170
<0.01 <0.02 <6.3 6.3 ± 1.1
6 <1.9 <3.8 <1,200 1,200 ± 200
<0.01 <0.01 <6.4 6 17 5
Median <2 <2 <1,100 1,100
-------
TABLE 11-3.
GAMMA-EMITTING RADIONUCLIDE AND TRITIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN
SELECTED TISSUES, RABBITS, AREA 15, NTS, 1977
Animal
No.
MUSCLE
INTERNAL ORGANS
SKIN
G. I. TRACT
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
3 H (pCi/i)
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
K (g/kg*)
‘ 37 Cs (pCi/kg*)
95 Zr (pCi/kg*)
1
8.4 ± 0.59
53 ± 24
2,700 ± 310
7.6 ± 0.64
-------
APPENDIX I. PLUTONIUM, STRONTIUM, TRITIUM, AND GAMMA-EMITTING
RADIONUCLIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN SELECTED TISSUES,
OTHER NTS WILDLIFE, 1977
An ma 1
and
Tissue
Type
235 8u
(pC i ! g Aeh)
(pCi/kg*)
23nP
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
‘ Sr
(pCi/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
DSr
(pCl/g Ash)
(pCi/kg*)
Ash
K (g/kg*)
‘ 3
-------
*
APPENDIX J. GROSS AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIES FOUND IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS
AREA 18 CATTLE, MAY
1
Necropsy findings : Beginning squamous cell carcinoma on medial canthus of
left eye.
Histopathological findings : Moderate hemosiderosis of spleen, cystic follicle
in ovary, squamous papilloma of skin.
Heniatological findings 4 RBC/cm 8.5 x 106, WBC/cimi 4.5 x 1Q , MCV/cu.ji 61,
Hb g % 18.5, Hematocrit % 52.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal, aged, barren cow with small squamous cell
carcinoma of the eye.
2
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings : Cardiac muscle contained sarcocysts.
Hematological findings : RBC/cmm 7.7 x los, WBC/cm 6.3 x iO , MCV/cu.p 48,
Hb g % 13.8, Hernatocrit % 39.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 3-year-old steer.
3
Necropsy findings : Fibrinous adhesions between liver and diaphragm, uterus
contains 7-month-old fetus.
1-listopathological findings : Cardiac muscle contained sarcocysts.
Hernatological findings : RBC/cnin 7.5 x 10 , WBC/crun 9.5 x l0 , MCV/cu.p 55,
Fib g % 15.3, Hematocrit % 43.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal, pregnant, mature cow.
Fetus-3
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings : Heniatopolesis of liver (normal for fetus).
Heniatological findings : Blood samples not collected.
82
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*
APPENDIX 3. GROSS AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIESt FOUND IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS
(continued)
AREA 18 CATTLE, MAY (continued)
Fetus-3 (continued)
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 7-month-old fetus.
4
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings : No lesions noted.
Hematological findings : RBC/cmm 7.5 x 10 , WBC/cmm 91 x lOs, MCV/cu.p 49,
Hb g % 12.7, Hematocrit % 38.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 1-year-old steer.
5
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findin : No lesions noted.
Hematological findings : RBC/cmm 8.6 x 106, WBC/cmm 7.1 x lOs, MCV/cu.i 44,
Hb g % 13.3, Hematocrit % 39.
Clinical •diagnosis : Normal 1-year-old steer.
6
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
1-listopathological findings : Mild fatty changes in liver.
Hematological findings : RBC/cmm 8.6 x 106, WBC 7.1 x io , MCV/cu.p 44,
Hb g % 13.3, Hematocrit % 39.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 1-year-old steer.
AREA 18 CATTLE, OCTOBER
7
Necropsy findinQs : No gross lesions noted. Was an extremely fat animal.
Two meters of nylon rope present in rumen.
Histopathological findin gs : Some mineralization of tubules near the collecting
ducts and cortico-medullary junction of the kidney. The liver hepatocytes
are slightly swollen and contain finely granular cytoplasm.
83
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APPENDIX J. GROSS AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIESt FOUND IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS
(continued)
AREA 18 CATTLE, OCTOBER (continued)
7 (continued)
Hematological findings : RBC/cm 10.4 x 106, WBC/cmm 5.2 x iO , MCV/cu. 46,
Hb g % 16.1, Hematocrit % 48.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal, mature cow. Coninent--no remarkable findings in
this case.
8
Necropsy findings : Small abscess (actinobacillosis) on left mandible, uterus
contained 4-month-old female fetus.
Histopathological findings : Cardiac muscle contained sarcocysts. Excessive
amount of hemosiderosis in macrophages of the white pulp of the spleen.
Hematological findings : RBC/cmm 8.4 x 106, WBC/cnin 2.8 x iO , MCV/cu.p 49,
Fib g % 14.7, Hematocrit % 41.
Clinical diagnosis : Pregnant, mature cow with beginning actinobacillosis
(lumpy-jaw). Coment--no remarkable findings in this case.
9
Necropsy findings : Uterus contained 3—month-old female fetus, rumen contained
three meters of nylon rope. An edematous circumscribed lesion (5 cm in dia-
meter) was present on right diaphragmatic lobe of lung.
Histopathological findings : Small lymphocytic foci were noted in the inter-
stitial tissues of the kidney. Some melanin deposits were noted in the adrenal
capsule, moderate hemosiderosis of the spleen. There was an area of inflam-
mation in the lung characterized by fibrin exudation into alveoli and the
ini iigration of leukocytes through the alveolar septa.
Hematological findings : RBC/cnin 7.4 x l0 , WBC/cm 3.6 x iO , MCV/cu.p 49,
Fib g % 13.1, Hematocrit % 36.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal, pregnant, mature cow with localized pneumonia.
Coninent--the most remarkable finding in this case was the presence of a local-
ized acute fibrinous area of pneumonia in the lungs. The specific localiza-
tion and type of reaction seen in this lung is suggestive of the response to
aspiration of an irritating substance such as ingesta. However, it could also
have been caused by an infectious agent such as pasteurella.
10
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
84
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APPENDIX J.
* 1-
GROSS AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIES FOUND IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS
(continued)
AREA 18 CATTLE, OCTOBER (continued)
10 (continued)
Histopathological findings : Some localized mineralization at the tubules near
the cortico-medullary junction of the kidney.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 1.5-year—old bull. Coniiient--the tissues from this
animal were unremarkable.
11
Necropsy finding : No gross lesions noted.
Histopathological findings : Accumulation of lymphocytes in a nodular pattern
were noted around some of the major airways of the lungs. Lesions of tes-
ticular hypoplasia or atrophy were found. Probably related to immaturity.
Necropsy finding : No gross lesions noted.
Hematological findings : RBC/cmni 11.1 x 106, WBC/cmm 9.6 106, MCV/cu.p 40,
Hb g % 14.7, Hematocrit % 44.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 4-month-old bull calf.
OTHER NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE
251
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted.
(Samples were not collected for histopatholOgiCal or hematological
examinations.)
Hematological findings :
Hb g % 18.3, Hematocrit
RBC/cmm 9 x l0 , WBC/cmm 5 x lOs, MCV/cu.p 54,
% 49.
Hematological findin gs :
Hb g % 16.1, Hematocrit
12
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 6-month-old bull calf.
RBC/cmm 11.1 x 1O , WBC/cmm 6.6 x lOs, MCV/cu.p 41,
% 45.
Histopathological findings : There was considerable pigmentation beneath the
retina; however, all elements appeared well-formed. The interstftial i ements
of the testicles are quite prominent with well-formed semeniferous tubules.
Spermatogenesis was not evident which is normal for a 4-month-old calf.
85
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*
APPENDIX J. GROSS AND 1ICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIES FOUND IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS
(continued)
OTHER NEVADA TEST SITE CATTLE (continued)
251 (continued)
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 5-year-old Holstein cow that was surplus to
needs of the dairy farm.
761
This animal was not necropsied. Clinical diagnosis was death due to
tympanites.
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER
1
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted, except the trauma associated with
the passage of a bullet through the lungs and cervical areas. Samples not
collected for histopathological and heniatological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal buck deer.
2
Necropsy findings : Not necropsied, was pregnant.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal doe deer that died in collision with motor vehicle.
3
Necropsy findings : Extensive trauma including broken right front leg,
penetrating laceration of abdominal cavity with evisceration, herniated
diaphragm, ruptured rumen. All ribs on right side were fractured. Samples
not collected for histopathological and hematological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 1-year-old buck that died in collision with
motor vehicle.
4
Necropsy findings : Not necropsied, samples not collected for histopathol-
ogical and hematological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis : Mature buck that was killed in collision with motor
vehicle.
5
Necropsy findings : No gross lesions noted, except trauma associated with
bullet passage.
86
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APPENDIX J. GROSS* AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIESt FOUND IN NECROPSIED ANIMALS
(continued)
NEVADA TEST SITE MULE DEER (continued)
5 (continued)
Histopathological findings : No significant changes noted.
Clinical diagnosis : Normal 2-year—old buck.
6
Necropsy findings : Not necropsied, samples not collected for histopathol-
ogical or heniatological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis : Mature buck that was killed in collision with motor
vehicle.
7
Necropsy findings : Not necropsied, samples not collected for histopathol-
ogical or hematological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis : Mature doe that was killed in collison with motor
vehicle.
8
Necropsy findings : Extensive trauma of right side including fractured ribs,
legs, and rupture of the liver. Animal was blind in right eye. Samples not
collected for histopathological or hematological examinations.
Clinical diagnosis : Inniiature buck that was killed in collision with motor
vehicle.
DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
All of these animals were mature males that were killed by licensed hunters.
No necropsieS were performed but all were apparently normal at time of death.
No samples were collected for histopathological or hematological examinations.
FERAL NEVADA TEST SITE HORSE
Animal died as result of collison with motor vehicle. Was an aged mare in
poor condition. Left rib cage and rear leg fractured. Abdominal contents
were exposed by scavangers. No samples collected for histopathological or
hematological examinations.
87
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APPENDIX J. GROSS AND MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGIES± FOUND IN NECRUPSIEL) PtNIMMLS
(continued)
NEVADA TEST SITE RABBITS
All of these animals were collected by shotgun fire. All were placed in
freezer until necropsied. No gross lesions were noted. All were apparently
normal at time of death. Samples for histopathological or hematological
examinations were not collected.
NEVADA TEST SITE COYOTES
Necropsies revealed no gross lesions. All were apparently normal at time of
death. Samples not collected for histopathological or hematological
examinations.
NEVADA TEST SITE EAGLES AND MOUNTAIN LION
These animals were found dead and were thought to be accident victims.
Advanced postmortem changes precluded a necropsy or collection of samples
for histopathological or hematological examinations.
*As reported by senior author.
tAs reported by Dr. Billy C. Ward, College of Veterinary Medicine, Drawer V.
Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi.
1-RBC/cnm = number of red blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood.
WBC/cniii = number of white blood cells per cubic millimeter of blood.
MCV/cu.u = mean corpuscular volume per cubic micron.
Hb g % = hemoglobin expressed in gram percent.
88
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APPENDIX K. BIG SAM FACT SHEET
* Formerly the Atomic Energy Commission and the Eneigy Research & Dett’lopme ’ir Atbn,,itstwiuin
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT LABORATORY, PC. BOX 1502Z LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
3.
Big Sam is one of four fistulated steers in a
herd of about 100 Hereford beef cattle the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
maintains on the Nevada Test Site where the
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)* has
conducted hundreds of nuclear tests since 1951.
He and the other fistulated steers
(animals with a surgical opening in their sides)
are part of a special research project
conducted by the EPA’s Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory in
Las Vegas, Nevada, which has been managing
the DOE’s beef herd since 1964. The fistulated
animals serve as biological samplers of the food
(forage) consumed by the rest of the herd as it
ranges over part of the Test Site, which has a
total area of 1,350 square miles.
89
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APPENDIX K. (continued)
When the four steers, including Big Sam,
were a year old, they underwent operations in
which a capped tube (cannula) was installed
into the forestomach (rumen) ot each animal
through a surgical opening (fistula) on the left
side of each. The tube and opening cause no
apparent discomfort to Sam or his similarly
fitted corral mates. They seem unaware of the
‘hardware’ which sets them apart from the rest
of the herd.
Periodically, one of the Laboratory workers
removes the cap from the tube as he would a
jar lid, reaches into the opening, and removes
the forestomach contents from each animal.
The four steers, with forestomachs empty, are
then placed back on the range and allowed to
resume grazing, after which samples of the
forestomach contents are removed for analysis.
It is assumed that the diet of the fistulated
steers matches that of the herd as a whole;
and scientists have noted that botanical and
radiochemical composition of the diet may be
affected by season, year-to-year variations in
climate, and any nuclear tests which may have
been conducted in or near the grazing area.
The EPA Laboratory in Las Vegas and the
DOE’s Nevada Operations Office in Las Vegas
have sponsored the exhibit of Big Sam at
special events where he was displayed in his
own special portable pen. He has been a
featured presentation at a number of fairs,
expositions, and other public events.
Twice a year, the entire beef herd is
rounded up and six animals are selected at
random and sacrificed. Tissue and organ
samples are taken and analyzed at the
Las Vegas Laboratory to see if they contain
radioactive materials (radionuclides). The
samples are also checked thoroughly with the
microscope.
Thus far, scientists have found no disease
or tissue damage which can be blamed on
radiation exposure, and radiation levels in
the tissue samples have been well below levels
which are considered dangerous. Not only
would the meat have been safe to eat but the
health of the herd is above average. It is not
unusual for over 90 percent of the cows in the
herd to produce calves, a yield which is
considered exceptional.
The beef herd is only part of the agricul-
tural complex operated by the EPA at the
Nevada Test Site. There is also an experi-
mental farm and dairy herd which were
developed and are managed by the Laboratory
in Las Vegas as a field research facility for
studying the movement of radioactive materials
through the environment to man.
In some studies, dairy cows or growing
crops are exposed to aerosol sprays of radio-
active capsules. Scientists measure the
concentrations of radioactive materials, or
radionuclides, in the forage, milk, certain
tissues, and animal wastes to determine the
influence of radioactive particle size and
chemical form on the animals’ body functions
and feeding habits. This information is used to
develop ‘models’ for predicting the effects of
exposure on man and to evaluate methods for
protecting the public against certain situations
which might result in the radioactive
contamination of their food.
The beef herd can also be used to study
environmental contaminants other than radio-
nuclides. Sodium chloride, or salt, was the
subject of one such study.
Besides managing the beef herd and dairy
farm, the Las Vegas Laboratory collects
samples from several wild species living in or
near the Test Site as biological indicators of
fallout. It cooperates with State and Federal
conservation agencies in observation of big-
horn sheep, mule deer, and other native
species.
From these and other continuing and
cooperative programs carried out over the
years comes a better understanding of the
complex behavior of radioactive materials in
the environment and their effects on living
things.
go
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DISTRIBUTION
1 - 40 Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory-Las Vegas
41 Mahion E. Gates, Manager, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
42 Troy E. Wade, DOEJNV, Las Vegas, NV
43 David G. Jackson, DOE/MV, Las Vegas, NV
44 Paul J. Mudra, DOE/NV, Las Veqas, MV
45 Elwood M. Douthett, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
46 - 47 Winnie Howard, flOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
48 - 49 Paul B. Dunaway, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
50 Roger Ray, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
51 Robert W. Taft, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
52 Leon Silverstrom, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
53 Robert W. Newman, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, MV
54 Bruce W. Church, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
55 - 56 Technical Library, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
57 Chief, NOB/DMA, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
58 Hal Hollister, EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
59 Tommy F. McCraw, EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
60 L. Joe Deal , EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
61 - 65 Major General Joseph K. Bratton, Director, OMA,
DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
66 Gordon C. Facer, OMA, DOE/HO, Washington, DC
67 Robert L. Watters, EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
68 Jeff Swinebroad, EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
69 Robert W. Wood, EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
70 William S. Osburn, Jr., EV, DOE/HQ, Washington, DC
71 Ray Brechbill , DOE/SAM, Oakland, CA
72 t 1arcy Williamson, RESL/INEL, DOE/ID, Idaho Falls, ID
73 Steven V. Kaye, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN
74 Nancy Vaughan, ESIC, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN
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15 H. E. Walburg, CARL, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN
76 Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, EPA,
Washington, DC
77 Deputy Assistant Asministrator for Monitoring and Technical
Support, ORD, EPA, Washington, DC
78 Deputy assistant Administrator for Radiation Programs, EPA,
Washington, DC
79 Director, Monitoring Technology Division, Office of Monitoring
and Technical Support. ORD, EPA, Washington, DC
80 Director, Technical Support Division, Office of Monitoring and
Technical Support, ORD, EPA, Washington, DC
81 Director, Criteria Development and Special Studies Division,
Office of Health and Ecological Effects, 0R1), EPA,
Washington, DC
82 Library, EPA, Washington, DC
83 Regional Administrator, Region IX, EPA, San Francisco, CA
84 Regional Radiation Representative, Region IX, EPA,
San Francisco, CA
85 Director, Radiochemistry and Nuclear Engineering Branch,
EPA, Cincinnati, OH
86 Director, Eastern Envirornental Radiation Facility, EPA,
Montgomery, AL
87 Harold F. Mueller, NOAA/WSNSO, Las Vegas, NV
88 Gilbert J. Ferber, NOAA/WSNSO, Silver Spring, MD
89 K. M. Oswald, Manager, Health and Safety, LLL, Mercury, NV
90 Richard L. Wagner, LLL, Livermore, CA
91 Howard W. Tewes, LLL, Livermore, CA
92 Paul L. Phelps, LLL, Livermore, CA
93 Mortimer L. Mendelsohn, LLL, Livermore, CA
94 J. C. Hopkins, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
95 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
96 Lamar J. Johnson, LASL, Los Alamos, NM
97 George E. Tucker, Sandia Lab., Albuquerque, NM
98 Carter D. Broyles, Sandia Lab., Albuquerque, NM
99 Melvin L. Merritt, Sandia Lab., Albuquerque, NM
100 R. ( len Fuller, Oracle, AZ
101 W. F. Martin, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH
102 Arden E. Bicker, REECo, Mercury, NV
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103 Savino W. Cavender, REECo, Mercury, NV
104 Auda F. Morrow, CETO, Mercury, NV
105 Joseph H. Dryden, NTSSO, DOE/NV, Mercury, NV
106 Billy Moore, NVHQ, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
107 Leo Bustad, Director, Veterinary Medicine, Washington
State University, Pullman, WA
108 Vincent Schultz, Washington State University, Pullman WA
109 Arthur Wallace, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
110 Wesley E. Miles, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
111 Library, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV
112 Verle R. Bohman, University of Nevada, Reno, NV
113 Lloyd P. Smith, President, Desert Research Institute,
University of Nevada, Reno, NV
114 Paul R. Fenske, Desert Research Institute, University of
Nevada, Reno, NV
115 William W. Twenhofel, U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO
116 Manager, Desert National Wildlife Range, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Las Vegas, NV
117 Supervisor, Region III, Nevada Fish and Game Department,
Las Vegas, NV
118 Paul Lyons, Nevada Wildlife Research, Division of Archives,
Capitol Building Annex, Carson City, NV
119 Ernest D. Campbell, DOE/NV, Las Vegas, NV
120 L. L. Skolil , San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
121 C. S. Fore, ESIC, Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN
122 - 148 Technical Information Center, DOE, Oak Ridge, TN
(for public availability)
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