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. 12