2.4.3 Program 35, Radfobiological Survey
Objectives were to measure the amount and distribution of radioactive
materials in the fauna and flora on the islands and waters of the PPG and
adjacent areas.
1. Pre-test surveys were conducted to determine the level of
residual contamination from previous test programs.
2. During the period June 11 to 21, 1956, a marine survey operating on the USS Walton (DE-361) measured the radiation in plankton, water,
and fish samples. Fifty-three stations in the area between 11° to 14°N and
159° to 166°E were covered during the 3300-mile cruise.
A continuous rec-
ord of the radiation in the surface water was obtained with a probe.
Plank-
ton samples from oblique tows to a depth of 200 meters and water samples
from the surface, 25, 50, 75, and 100 meters, indicated radioactivity at each
station. Highest radiation readings in plankton and water samples were from /
stations north of Bikini Atoll. Radiation decreased in amounts around the
edge of the survey area.
3. Algae have been collected on the reefs of Eniwetok and the
level of radiation, especially the short-lived materials such as I-131 determined.
.
4. Plankton samples from the deep passage at Eniwetok were ~
obtained on a three-times-a-week schedule. Such samples should be useful
in evaluating the drift of radioactive material from Bikini.
‘
me
5.
Foods of the native people of Wotho, Tarawa, Kusafe, Ponape
6.
Residual rad{ation in the soil, water, and foods of Rongelap
and Ujelang were monitored.
Atoll is being evaluated prior to the return of the native people.
7. Post-test surveys will be conducted of biological contamination
and the movement of radioactive material around and out of Eniwetok Lagoon. 8. Rat populations on Engebi will be studied to evaluate numbers
of survivors, level of food contamination, and amount and kind of radiation in
various tissues of the residual population.
9. Post-test survey of Bikini Atoll will be conducted.
10. An oceanic survey will start on September 1, 1956, at the
eastern edge of the mass of radioactive water and proceed to the western
edge of the contaminated water mass. This survey will be similar to the
one conducted June 11 to 21, 1956, but will extend farther to the west.
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