segments were put into plastic containers that were identified with the field
Wet weights
log number, segment name, field description, and container number.
of the samples were determined.
The
subsequently
samples were
from the
from the condenser and when ice ceased
Each day ice was removed
vegetation.
the water
remove
to
freeze-dried
to
form on the condenser, the samples were considered dried.
the sample dry weights
After freeze-drying,
vegetation material was
ground
to a homogeneous
were determined.
The dried
in Waring blenders.
texture
These homogenous samples were pressed into the aluminum tuna and bean cans until
a uniform density was achieved.
Samples insufficient in volume to fill a can
were packaged into vials, which had a volume of 42 cm.
The cans were then sealed and a log number was given to each sample.
The
log number had the year and month the sample was taken, plant type, a code for
whether radioactive or stable element analysis was to be done, island and atoll
and
designations,
sequence
a
Sample
number.
were
weights
calculation of specific radionuclide concentrations.
recorded
for
The cans were first sent
for gamma spectrometry analysis and then to a contract laboratory for analysis
requiring radiochemical separations.
and
Coconut
procedure.
Pandanus
juices
were
The coconut juice was poured
processed
to
degredation.
l-liter beakers,
formaldehyde
and
a
from the coconut;
was squeezed from the Pandanus keys at 50,000 psi.
transferred
by
slightly
different
the Pandanus juice
The juices were measured,
added
prevent
to
bacterial
The beakers were placed in mechanical convection ovens at 40°C and
the liquid evaporated to a volume of approximately 200 ml.
poured into the
tuna
can.
To ensure
sides and bottom of the beaker,
that
all
material
The juice was then
was
the beaker was acid rinsed
removed
during
Formaldehyde was again added to prevent bacterial action in the can.
from
the
transfer.
The can
was sealed and weighed.
Blind duplicates and standards were included with each set of samples sent
for analysis.
Animal Samples
The animal samples were processed in the same manner as were the vegetation
samples, the only difference being that formaldehyde was pipetted into the tuna
or bean can after the sample had been pressed.
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