RGOUGELAY BIGENVIRGSMENTAL RESURVET
magust 1963
evaluate the eyeling oc redistribution ef radionuclides
at
Rengelap is wmiqualy suitable fer the latter studies since
4t was contaminated enly ence with radieactive falleut te a
significant degree. The initial sentamination occurred in
March 1954 follewing the detonation of a thermennciaar device
et Bikini Atell, 80 miles te the west. The levels ef radiatien
were sufficiently high te necessitate evacuation of the residents. They were net returned umtil June 1957.
Present levels of radiation at the seuthern islets of
Radionuclide esntent ef food items is within permissibie
levels with the exception ef the coconut erab, Birous Latxo,
which eoncentrates strontim~-80. Other significant radionuclides in the feods at this time are cesium-137 and xinc-65.
The soils still eentaia all ef the relatively leng-liveé
Fadionuclides eriginally deposited. These remain concentrated
in the tep inch ef soil, but small amounts are neving to depths
ef 30 inches ex mere. The marine erganians centain Sever