radionuclide concentration in terres- the measured environmental soil con- trial plants. centrations into the potential dose to Soil-plant concentration factors or soil-plant regression equa- man tions are commonly used for a quantita- Where fruit samples are not available, tive comparison of the capacity of correlations between the concentrations different plant species and various in leaves and fruit of a particular plant organs plant species or between concentra- clides to accumulate radionu- from the soil-plant pathway. tions in leaves of indicator and through soil-root uptake. Prediction of radionuclide uptake by edible plant species enable us to edible plants is needed to convert predict plant uptake from soil. Methods selected by superimposing a ENV TRONMENTAL SAMPLING AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS rectangular-grid network over an The objective of the surface-soil aerial photograph of each island and survey was to define the distribution randomly choosing the grid squares of be sampled within each specific area radioactivity within the soil on Sikini and Eneu Islands. was conducted that used at in a manner This survey of interest. similar tions kKnewetak Atoll.+ toa The number of soil samples collected on Fig. for 2, to The surface-sample laca- the islands are shown in These samples were taken with a coring tool (a steel pipe, 30 each island and within specific 2,in cross-section) . em to a depth of areas on the island was a Function of 15 cm. the anticipated radioactivity Levels, scraped away and a cutting tool (a the various housing locations under Flat piece of steel} was inserted consideration, and the expected living underneath the cover, patterns of sample. Thus, the future inhabitants. Eneu Island, because of its low In The surrounding soil was addition to the freeing the surface-soil and homogeneous activity levels was sampling program, sampled less densely than Bikini associated soil profiles Island. Bikini Island has elevated vegetation and (soil pro- files taken from the same location as and more variable aclivities and was the plant) divided into four distinct areas, each suitable plant species were Located of which could be used for on Bikini and Eneu Islands (see Fig. villaye sites. future Sampling sites were 3, were collected wherever Appendices A and B). Leaves,