activities to zero sample weight. Absorption curves on all samples showed negligible amounts of K*® betas as compared to the gross contamination. 2.2 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 2.2.1 Major Foods The gross beta activities found in the major food items are summarized in Table 2.1. The data are presented on the basis of wet weight of sample. The prevalence of soft beta emission in many of the food samples necessitates rather large corrections for self-absorption but no Significant errors are introduced through the correction procedure. TABLE 2.1 . Summary of Gross Beta Activity in Major Plant Foods Source Average Activity (jic/g x 196? or pic /er x 108} Coconut Atoll Island Alrowroot Breadfruit Likiep Utirik Rongelap Rongelap Rongelap Rongelap Rongelap Likiep Utirik Rongelap Busch Eniaetok Labared]j Kabelle 4,0 16 15 68 80 36 40 9.1 3.4 Rongelap Lukuen 18 16 Rongelap Gejen 130 72 25 Ron gelap Bikar Ron gerik Lomuilal Bikar Eniwetak 180 19 5.9 7.8 30 5.9 9.4 (a) *pandanus 3.7 5.0 28 13 34 130 Papaya Meat Milk 3.6 9.0 27 2.9 2.3 9.8 8.0 12 13 16 3.0 2.6 9.6 11 12 13 12 Wet weight A number of coconut samples were collected because of their importance as a food source. Three stages of growth are represented: young green coconuts, the milk of which is drunk; copra stage nuts prized for food; and sprouting coconuts which yield highly palatable meat, In general, the activity appears to be higher in the more mature pack!