Plants & Animals1334214000000Plants & AnimalsPlant and animal monitoring is performed to determine whether Laboratory operations are impacting human health via the food chain.http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7684469226_6bdfbc1501_z_d.jpgA rabbit on LANL land.A rabbit on LANL land.http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7684469226_6bdfbc1501_t_d.jpgWhat plants and animals do we monitor?
LANL monitors both edible and non-edible plants and animals to determine whether Laboratory operations are impacting human health via the food chain, or to find contaminants that indicate they are being moved in the environment by such actions as animals burrowing in waste burial grounds, blowing dust, erosion by storm water, or movement through the food chain.
LANL collects samples of various plants and animals, such as:
- Wild and domestic crops, including vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, and grains grown and/or harvested near LANL
- Food products from animals (e.g., milk, honey, and eggs)
- Small and big game animals (e.g., rabbits, deer, and elk) on neighboring properties around LANL
- Deer and elk that are killed by vehicles on roads around LANL
- Bottom feeder fish and predator fish collected from the Rio Grande at locations upstream and downstream of LANL canyons
Why we sample plants and animals
Plant and animal sampling is performed to:
- Determine radionuclide and chemical concentrations in edible and non-edible plants and animals from LANL property and perimeter areas
- Determine concentration trends over time
- Estimate potential radiation dose and chemical exposure risk to residents, plants, and animals
Measurements are compared to background samples collected from areas away from LANL influences and compared to averages over time to see if there are changes in concentrations.
The results of all sampling data and the interpretation of the data are available in the annual Environmental Report.
/We sample many plants and animals, including wild and domestic crops, game animals, fish, and food products from animals, as well as other plants and animals not considered food sources.http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7734187858_3b0a926585_z_d.jpghttp://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7734187858_3b0a926585_t_d.jpgRacoon in Los Alamoshttp://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7734243042_bddb45999b_z_d.jpghttp://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7734243042_bddb45999b_t_d.jpgA cactus blossom in Los Alamoshttp://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7734186926_5444dc426b_z_d.jpghttp://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7734186926_5444dc426b_t_d.jpgAberts squirrel in Los AlamosYes/ContactEnvironmental Communication & Public Involvementenvoutreach@lanl.gov Plants & Animals
Plant and animal monitoring is performed to determine whether Laboratory operations are impacting human health via the food chain.
We sample many plants and animals, including wild and domestic crops, game animals, fish, and food products from animals, as well as other plants and animals not considered food sources.
What plants and animals do we monitor?
LANL monitors both edible and non-edible plants and animals to determine whether Laboratory operations are impacting human health via the food chain, or to find contaminants that indicate they are being moved in the environment by such actions as animals burrowing in waste burial grounds, blowing dust, erosion by storm water, or movement through the food chain.
LANL collects samples of various plants and animals, such as:
- Wild and domestic crops, including vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, and grains grown and/or harvested near LANL
- Food products from animals (e.g., milk, honey, and eggs)
- Small and big game animals (e.g., rabbits, deer, and elk) on neighboring properties around LANL
- Deer and elk that are killed by vehicles on roads around LANL
- Bottom feeder fish and predator fish collected from the Rio Grande at locations upstream and downstream of LANL canyons
Why we sample plants and animals
Plant and animal sampling is performed to:
- Determine radionuclide and chemical concentrations in edible and non-edible plants and animals from LANL property and perimeter areas
- Determine concentration trends over time
- Estimate potential radiation dose and chemical exposure risk to residents, plants, and animals
Measurements are compared to background samples collected from areas away from LANL influences and compared to averages over time to see if there are changes in concentrations.
The results of all sampling data and the interpretation of the data are available in the annual Environmental Report.
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