The effect of soil microbiological activity on the solubility of plutonium and americium-241 derived from nuclear debris in an artificial rumen and simulated bovine gastrointestinal fluids. It is proposed that contaminated soil be collected from Area 13 (NTS) and be divided into two portions. One portion will be autoclaved to destroy the soil microflora. A nutrient medium to support the growth of microorganisms will be added to both portions, and then will be incubated under optimal conditions. Periodically, plutonium and americium-241 solubility will be compared in an artificial rumen and simulated fluids of the abomasum and intestine. 39