Radioactivity Levels in Ohio's Resident Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis) Populations

Abstract

Gross beta and mCs radioactivity levels were determined for pectoralis muscle of resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in 3 wildlife areas in Ohio. The mean mCs level was 0.9 dpm/g dry wt muscle (0.4 pCi/g), and the mean gross beta level was 20.4 dpm/g dry wt muscle (9.2 pCi/g). No differences in goose muscle radioactivity levels were observed among the 3 wildlife areas. Bird age apparently did not affect radioactivity level. Variance components between and within birds were computed and a sampling design, to optimize allocation of resources for future sampling schemes, was determined.