Selected tissues (muscle, liver and
thyroid) are collected from game animals accidentally killed on
INL Site roads. Thyroid samples from the sampled animals are analyzed by gamma spectrometry specifically
for Iodine-131. Muscle and liver samples are processed
and submitted for gamma spectrometry
analysis.
Waterfowl
Waterfowl samples are collected annually from the Advanced Test Reactor Complex
on the INL Site to
evaluate the potential for exposure to members of the public who
might consume these game animals which frequent the waste ponds. Other facilities are sampled when waterfowl are observed there and there is access to the ponds. Control samples are also
taken in areas distant from the INL Site. Waterfowl samples are analyzed
by gamma spectrometry. Selected samples are also analyzed
for strontium-90 and transuranic radionuclides.
If radionuclides are detected in animal tissues, the potential dose to a person who might consume the animal is calculated. In addition, the dose to the animal is calculated using RESRAD-BIOTA software (see Biota Dose Assessment for the INL Site.