Radionuclide concentrations in waterfowl using a liquid radioactive waste disposal area and to the potential radiation dose to man.

Abstract

Over 3100 ducks, geese, swans and American coots (Fulica americana) were censused at the Test Reactor Area (TRA) radioactive leaching ponds on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) Site from January 1974 through March 1978. Twenty-six ducks and two American coots were collected from the TRA ponds from January 1974 through December 1977, and tissues were analyzed for gamma-emitting radionuclides. Duck tissues contained up to 29 radionuclides. Total average and maximum radionuclide concentrations were highest in gut followed by feathers, liver, muscle and skin. Chromium-51 had the highest relative radionuclide concentration identified (130,000 pCi/g-gut and 37,500 pCi/g-feathers). Cesium-137 was the predominant radionuclide in muscle with a maximum concentration of 4070 pCi/g. Edible duck tissues (muscle, liver and skin) had lower radionuclide concentrations than non-edible tissues (gut and feathers). The total amount of radioactivity being exported from the TRA environs during the 4-yr study period was estimated to be 5 × 10−3 Ci. Cesium-137, 134Cs, and 131I contributed 98% of the calculated potential radiation dose equivalent to man. The potential whole-body and thyroid dose commitment to man from consuming one waterfowl that was contaminated with the average radionuclide concentrations observed would be 12 and 7 mrem, respectively.