Air
samples
monitoring
This
area.
processing
filter
and
swipe
program
samples
were
taken
throughout
continued
around
the
entire
our
processing phase.
Each soil profile produced six soil samples except in cases where it was
impossible to get to the deeper depths because of coral bed rock.
There were
approximately 516 profiles collected and some 3093 soil samples were processed
in the soil preparation laboratory between January and September of 1979.
The soil samples were received in large plastic bags wrapped tightly with
plastic tape with a field log number and location written on the bag and tape.
The
pertinent
information
collection date,
and the
from
the
field
log
appearance of each
books
on
sample was
the
recorded
location,
in
the
laboratory
log books.
The samples were unwrapped and put
in
l-gal
cans.
The description and
field log number on the bag was recorded on the can and the wet weight of the
soil was determined.
Sample weights varied from 0.5 to 1 kg.
were dried in large commercial ovens at 75°C for 48 h.
removed and the dry weight was measured.
The samples were then
They were placed back in the ovens for
an additional 24 h after which they were again weighed.
resulted,
the sample was considered dry.
ovens for an additional 24 h.
The soil samples
If not,
Eight l-in.
If a constant weight
it was placed back in the
steel grinding balls were placed in
the l-gal can of dry soil and the cover was securely taped to prevent it from
coming
off
during
mixing.
The
entire
assembly
was
then
covered
with
a
galvanized steel jacket held in place by two large rubber O-rings to prevent the
can from being damaged.
The samples were ball milled continuously for 48 h to
produce a homogenous sample.
After ball milling, fractions of the soil samples
were canned for gamma spectrometry.
All
soil
canning
was
performed
in
fume
hoods.
Before
canned the fume hood was vacuumed and clean paper inserted.
each
sample
was
After canning all
the soils from an atoll, the hood was washed completely with soap and water and
rinsed with Radiacwash.
The soil lab area was then steam cleaned and canning
of soils from another atoll would begin.
The
thick).
4-cm
finely
ground
soil
was
packed
Two sizes of cans were used.
high
and
8.3
cm
in
diameter
tightly
in
an
aluminum can
(0.25-mm
The first (referred to as a tuna can) was
with
a
volume
of
219
cm
The
second
(referred to as a bean can) was 4.6-cm high and 8 cm in diameter with a volume
of 231 em.
10
re wet anes Soa
contamination.