Over 4000 terrestrial and marine samples were collected for radionuclide analysis from 76 different islands. Soils, vegetation, indigenous and cistern water and groundwater were collected from the islands. pelagic species, clams, lagoon water, and sediments were animals, Reef fish, obtained from the lagoons. A considerable amount of radionuclide concentration generated from the analysis of these samples. Results of the program will appear in separate reports. samples analyze collected, the samples. quality-control Education, locations environments. Other reports program, and sampled, Some D. from different phases the type and quantity the methods Jennings concentration reports been used to process and include a description of our analytical coordinated by radionuclide and has ‘In the first report of this series we describe the general operation of the survey: of data will in contain of the the the Oregon College of marine and analytical terrestrial results from individual atolls while in others the results will be of a general nature from all atolls. The final paper will provide an assessment of the total dose from the major exposure pathways including external gamma, terrestrial food chains including food products and drinking water, marine food chains, and inhalation. Here 239+ 240, . summarize we 2385, : and . concentration the 241 in cistern water the atoll sites visited during the survey. cistern water from Bikini and in data groundwater 90. sampled at Some concentrations measured in other water and 3 1 los for supplies sampled since during our ongoing program at the Marshall Islands are also reported. are calculated Radionuclide for consumption concentrations are of both also cistern compared to water the and 1975 Doses groundwater. recommended maximum permissible levels of the Federal Radiation Council (FRC) part 20, standards for the protection against radiation; other U.S. Agency standards; and present fallout levels in rainwater from other Pacific locations and in other domestic water supplies. These comparisons are provided only as a reference to other standards and expected background concentrations. WATER RESOURCES AND SAMPLING AT THE ATOLLS Rainwater is the only source of agricultural purposes on Available rainfall fresh water the majority of records for the the atolls entire 4 for drinking, household, in Pacific the Marshall were and Islands. summarized by