Data
The NAEG Soil Sampling and Analyses Committee was established in 1970.
(and
plutonium
of
distribution
and
concentration
the
to
obtained relative
later, other radionuclides of interest) were to provide basic source terms to
be used by other elements in the interpretation of their results. Samples
were predominately surface samples taken to 5 cm depth.
However, results
from some preliminary profile samples, taken at 2.5 cm increments, indicated
the importance of plutonium at depths greater. than 2.5 cm and a percentage of
The committee devised
profile samples was factored into the sampling program.
general procedures for sampling, sample preparation, and analyses of soils.
Based on the preliminary objectives, certain exploratory experiments were
One of the early
conducted as an aid to design and development of methods.
conducted in a
was
experiments was designed to test sampling techniques and
In early 1971, in conjunction with Dr. Evan Romney, Chairman of
microplot.
the Field Ecology Studies Committee, a series of microplots was selected near
The soil sampling methods which had
ground zero of Project 57, at Area 13.
been proposed were tested on the microplots; also tested was the proposed
method for sampling vegetation.
With respect to analyses, a number of methods for determination of plutoniun,
the radionuclide of prime interest, were available.
However, a consideration
of the possible number of samples and variety of matrices limited consideration
of methods to those which would be rapid and inexpensive yet accurate and
precise for the anticipated matrices. Methods from the literature and committee
members' experiences were compared and in some cases tested on "standard"
samples.
Two methods were chosen for final comparison by five cooperating laboratories.
The two methods were those of Talvitie (1972) and what has since become known
as the LASL-HASL digestion (Essington and Fowler, 1975).
son of methods
tion requested
In some cases,
neither of the
A definitive compari-
could not be made since in several instances, necessary informarelative to man-hours and total cost per sample was not obtained.
only one method was tested or the cooperating laboratory used
two methods.
The exercise proved to be academic since contrac-
tors for analytical work preferred to use the method prevalent in their own
laboratory and since subsequent cross calibrations proved results to be comparable with all methods used.
However, based on results which were obtained from
analysis of standard samples, the LASL-HASL digestion was the method of choice,
and it was recommended by the Soil Sampling and Analyses Committee.
does use the recommended method;
The LASL
it has been modified to accommodate various
matrices (Fowler and Essington, 1975).
In July, 1971, the assistance of statisticians Dr. L. L. Eberhardt and Dr. R. 0.
Gilbert of Battelle Northwest, Hanford, was obtained by NAEG to provide statistical input to the experimental design for sampling of various matrices and to
interpret results of analyses.
Some funding was made available for the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
(LASL) activities in 1972 and in January, 1973, a full-time staff member
joined the LASL efforts. The committee concluded that its initial assignment
had been completed, and in June, 1972, a detailed discussion of the Soil
Sampling and Analyses Committee's activities was submitted in writing to the
Office of Effects Evaluation.
The discussion served as a step-by-step rationale
of committee recommendations and procedures and as an informational document
to serve as a guide to the NAEG program (private communication, 1972).
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