organic matter, color, presence of in two different containers. large chunks, gamna-spectrometry samples were etc.). The The samples were transferred to a placed in tightly sealed "tuna disposable aluminum cake pan and cans" made of 0.25-mm-thick alumi- covered with aluminum foil. num. Holes The large can was 3.9 cm high, were punched in the top of the foil 8.3 cm in diameter, with a cross- to permit evaporation. sectional area of 53.8 em> and a The samples were transferred to volume of 210 cm? preliminary drying ovens that were was 3.3 cm high, 6.0 cm in diameter, designed to handle about 200 with a cross-sectional area of samples. 28.5 em” and a volume of 95 can? These ovens were set at The small can a temperature of approximately Soil-sample weights in these cans 70°C and operated contiunously. ranged from 100 to 375 g. The average. residence time per samples for wet-chemistry analysis, sample was 48 h. each weighing approximately 50 @2, To assure complete dryness, the were placed in vials. samples were placed in a second vials was committed to chemical oven at approximately 150°C; analysis, the One of the and the other held as a backup sample. sample residence time averaged about 3h. © The samples were transferred Two to a The gamma-spectrometry samples were assayed for pross gamma counts i-gal paint can and dry weights with a 3 x 3-in. Nal (T1) detector; were determined. a 512-channel NaI (€T1) gamma Sample weights varied from 100 ¢ to 2 kg. spectrum was measured The samples were milled with eight samples that exceeded 100 counts/ l-in steel grinding balls. min. The for those ‘hese preliminary Nal (71) sample residence time in the ball data guided the scheduling of more mill was between 15 to 24 hr. precise measurements with Ge(Li) The soil was screened grid, through stainless-steel screens produce a uniform, 2-imn detectors and wet-chemistry proce- to dures. homogeneous More than 810 samples were processed sample for analysis. in the soil-preparation facility The finely ground soil was prepared between 4 September 1975 and 10 for gamma spectrometry and wet October 1975 by an average working chemistry analysis by placing it force of 4.5 people. vote ames ooo