~~ 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