Hanford Biology Research Annual Report for 1964

Abstract

BNWL-122 Results are reported from a third survey of radioactivity in northern 137 Alaskan natives and their foods. Eskimo Cs levels in the summer of 1964 were about double those measured in 1963, but still well below any J level which should be cause for concern. Seasonal fluctuations as determined by caribou hunting patterns, and caribou feeding patterns can now be fairly clearly defined. Food chain, precipitation, and radionuclide deposition interrelationships are also described for a continuing general survey in the State of Washington and in a carefully studied chdatgrass-community. Looking toward a broadened study of the dynamic balance of radionuclides in the Columbia River, preliminary results are reported on the 32 role of plankton and periphyton in the accumulation and transport of P 65 and Zn. Further studies of the economically important columnaris disease in fish have led to the demonstration of anti-columnaris titers in fish exposed to the organism. A sampling program showed that such titers exist in the majority of Columbia River fish. Application of immunological techniques in this area opens many exciting possibilities for study and control. The third Hanford Biology Symposium, on Inhaled Radioactive Particles and Gases, was held on May 4-6, 1964, and was attended by some 170 visitors, 20 representing seven foreign countries: The complete proceedings of this symposium were published as the December 1964 issue of Health Physics. The 1965 symposium will be on Radiation and Terrestrial Ecosystems, and planned for 1966 is a symposium on Gastrointestinal Radiation Effects.