STANDARD FORM NO. 64
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Office MemBandum e UNITED
TO
Paul B, Pearson, Chief, Biology Branch
Division of,Biol
d Medicine, Washington
FROM
Goff H.
SUBJECT:
SUGGESTIVE SURVEY OF RADIOACTIVITY IN CORALS
SYMBOL:
TC:KH:hj
A
YF
TES GOVERNMENT
DATE: September 23, 1954
LEdidChiba Control,
SROO, Augusta
The analysis of radioactivity ef corel samples submitted to this
office by Dre H. T. Odum and Dr, &. P. Odum on their return from
a research study in the vicinity of the Eniwetok proving ground
has focused attention on a factor not apparent in literature we
have seen relating to the test operations,
These samples taken between June and late August at a distance
of some two hundred miles fram the test site have a wide range
of radioactivity which appears to be partially a function of
their physical characteristics (surface to volume ratio),
The
activity has not been analyzed gualitatively, but gross
measurements as high as 2 x 107 pe/g were observed,
This
magnitude of activity suggests that measurable activity may be
found in similar corals throughout the Pacific.
It is possible that such information is wel] known to the
Division of Biology and Medicine and its general research
significance may have been thoroughly considered or such
research may be in process,
In event this has not been done
or is not in process, it would seem desirable to obtain sampijes
of coral fram points widely separated from the test site in
order to develop information concerning the extent and
mechanism of translocation of radioactive materials and the
mechanism by which coral specimens either absorb or assimilate
them,
Satisfactory collection might be achieved through enlisting
the aid of some nationally controlled group such as weather
observation stations throughout the world to collect and mail
samples to a central analytical group where uniform assay may
be obtained,
,
We feel that such data would prove extremely valuable in anticipating the results of ocean disposal; consequently both we and the
prime contractor at Savannah River would be glad to assist in a
limited way with any phase of such a study.
Com 33S ya
2Qae-7
40444
MULITARY RESEARCH GAR.
77