~~
The animals were the smallest category of samples collected and processed.
There were 153 samples processed between September and December of 1979.
duplicates
and
standards
were
included
with
each
set
of
samples
Blind
sent
for
analysis.
MARINE SAMPLES
Water Samples
Filtered
containers
water
samples
(100 liter),
The radionuclides were
were
transferred
acidified,
separated
to
large,
plastic
processing
and standardized carrier solutions added.
from the water using published
procedures.
The particulate fractions (filters) were dry ashed at 450°C and gamma counted.
Then
they
were
dissolved
and
specific
radionuclides
separated
by
standard
procedures.
Sediment Samples
Frozen sediment samples were thawed, weighed wet,
90°C.
a
and dried in ovens at
After the dry weight was determined, the sediment was homogenized using
shaker-type
ball mill
and
placed
in
containers
for
radioanalysis
by
gamma
spectrometry.
Fish and Invertebrate Samples
Biological
samples
partially thawed.
from
viscera.
pooled.
into
location
were
The total weight and standard
fish was usually measured.
dissected
each
muscle,
numerically
counted
and
length or fork length of each
The sex of each fish was determined and then it was
bone,
stomach
contents,
liver,
skin,
and
remaining
Each separated tissue and organ of the species from the same catch was
Gills were
separated
from the
fish but not
analyzed.
Our experience
prior to 1978 showed the gills were sometimes contaminated with sediment.
The
gills are not eaten and there could be little academic information gained from
their analysis
measured
(total
because
of
length),
the
and
possible
dissected.
included muscle, mantle, kidney,
contamination.
The
tissues
and remaining viscera.
13
Clams
were
weighed,
removed
for
analysis
After the wet weight