Radionuclide transport by cottontail rabbits at a radioactive waste disposal area

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A study extending over 2 months was conducted to determine the importance of cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus nuttallii) as a radionuclide vector at a solid radioactive waste disposal site in southeastern Idaho. A greater diversity of activation-fission products and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater concentrations of 241Am were detected in carcass tissues inhabiting the wasted disposal area; however, no significant (P ≤ 0.05) difference was found for total radionuclide inventories between the waste disposal site (11.2 nCi) and control (12.2 nCi) rabbit populations. Ninety-six and 99 percent of the respective inventories were attributed to 90Sr and 137Cs activity. Because of the low quantities of radionuclides in rabbit tissues and feces and limited us of the area, cottontail rabbits likely do not transport appreciable quantities of radionuclides to the surrounding environment.

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Reference Code: A85JAN01IDUS

Full Citation: Janke, D. H., and W. J. Arthur. 1985. Radionuclide transport by cottontail rabbits at a radioactive waste disposal area. Northwest Science 59(3): 221-229.

Location: ANIMAL EF: MAMMALS