Abstract

The results of radiometric and radiochemical analyses of

samples, exclusive of land plants, collected at Bikini Atoll in
1969 are presented and discussed.

Average values for radio-

nuclides in food items in pCi/g wet are:

90sr-.08,

reef fish,

60c5-2.6,

137es-.13; pelagic fish, 60c9-.94; spiny lobster,

60co-.12; giant clams,
turnstones,

6005-7.7,

60c9-24;
137es_56;

curlews,
terns,

60co-.94,

60¢9-1.1,

137¢s-380;

l37es- 08.

Average concentrations of 90sr in the muscle of coconut crabs

from Bikini and Enyu Islands were 12 pci/g wet and .05 pci/g
wet, respectively.

There are no striking differences between

the 1967 and 1969 average values for edible

origin,

including the sea birds.

foods of marine

Predominant radionuclides in

undisturbed soils in 1969 are 55Fe, ©0¢9, ®5gn, 290sr, 125sp,
137ag and 207pi.
207Bi predominate.

In the crater sediments 55Fe, 60co, 20sr, and
There are quantitative and qualitative dif-

ferences in radionuclide content associated with the feeding
habit of fish and there appears to be an increasing concentration
of some radionuclides with increasing age of fish and clams.

The

radionuclide content of bird species presents a sharp contrast,
both qualitatively and quantitatively,
habit.

associated with feeding

It appears that some 60c9 and 2°7Bi is being transported

eastward by the bottom current in the lagoon.

viously

Silver-108m,

pre-

unreported in fallout, was found in the hepatopancreas

of the spiny lobster.

The present levels of radionuclides and

their distribution at Bikini are not likely to change significantly except for decrease in amounts, due to physical decay.

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