. After freeze-drying, the sample dry weights were determined. The dried vegetation material was ground to a homogeneous texture in Waring blenders and pressed into aluminum 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?. Sample weights were recorded for calculation of specific radionuclide concentrations. The cans were first sent for gamma spectrometry analysis and then to a contract laboratory for analysis requiring radiochemical separations. Coconut and Pandanus juices were processed by slightly different procedure. . The coconut juice was poured from the coconut; the Pandanus juice was squeezed from the Pandanus keys at 50,000 psi. The juices were measured, transferred to |-L beakers, and formaldehyde added to prevent bacterial degredation. The beakers were placed in mechanical convection ovens at 40°C and the liquid evaporated to a volume of approximately 200 mL. The juice was then poured into an aluminum can. To ensure that all material was removed from the sides and bottom of the beaker, the beaker was acid rinsed during transfer. Formaldehyde was again added to prevent bacterial action in the can. The canwas 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 aluminum can after the sample had been pressed. The animals were the smallest category of samples collected and processed. There were 153 samples processed between September and December of 1979. Blind duplicates and standards were included with each set of samples sent for analysis. LIMITATIONS OF THE ASSESSMENT The purpose of the terrestrial and marine program was to collect sufficient samples to estimate the doses via pathways other than the external gamma exposure. The number of terrestrial and marine samples collected at each atoll was determined by the time on station for the aerial portion of the survey and by the weather conditions. Although the sampling of soil and vegetation for each of the atolls was not as detailed as at Enewetak