quia
Four samples of lagoon-bottom silt from the northeast corner of
Rongelap Atoll gave beta activity values ranging from 8,000 to 12,000
B-/min/g. Activity was uniformly distributed to a depth of 6 to 7 in.
Lagoon depths were 40, 55, 60, and 120 ft.

The data in Table 2.6 indicate a considerable reservoir of activity available for contaminating marine food species. Data presented in
Chapter 4 confirm that this activity contaminates the food supply.
2.2.5

Water
Water samples were collected from cisterns, wells, tree boles,

barrels, exposed soil profiles, and ocean and lagoon sides of the islands.
The ocean and lagoon water samples were collected within 10 ft of the
water line to evaluate the movement of activity from the islands into the

surrounding waters.

Exposed profiles and well water samples were

selected to describe any movement of activity into the fresh water lens
and the remainder of the samples were collected to evaluate the hazard

from drinking the water.

Gross beta activities of the above samples are presented in
Table 2.7. The scarcity of potable water is demonstrated by the few
islands from which cistern water was obtainable.
TABLE

2.7

Summary of Gross Beta Activity in Water
Beta Activity (3°/min/liter)
Sources of Water
Ocean

Island

Cistern

nee

aa

Likiep

nDaA‘4)

NDA

Busch

36

NDA

Uurik
Rongelap

50
80

290
6,300

260

23,000

460

Labaredj
Ka belle

7,700
2,300

56
60

Lomuilal

380

170

Eniwetak
(a)

37

100

12

NDA
330

Eniaetok

Bikar

Top

Bottom

1,350
16,000

Well

Barrel

Tree Bole

ee

NDA

28
430

44,000

14,000

°

8,100
15,000

28

DOE ARCHIVES

170

No detectable activity

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20

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