Data were obtained on the physical, chemical, and ecological distribution of four radionuclides added to a small pond. The conditions were comparable to those in an accidental release of radionuclides to an impoundment. Cobalt 60, zinc 65, strontium 85, and cesium 137 were added to a 30,000-gallon pond, with a sand substrate, and containing experimental biota. After 4 days, 10 percent of the cobalt 60, 6 percent of the zinc 65, and 5 percent of the cesium 137 remained in solution. Cobalt 60 and zinc 65 were associated principally with suspended solids, and cesium 137 with bottom sediments. In general, soft parts of biota rapidly accumulated more radionuclides than hard parts, but gradually lost radioactivity as radionuclide concentrations in the water decreased. Clam and snail shells and fish bone usually accumulated zinc 65 and strontium 85 until almost the end of the experiment. The maximum observed accumulation of strontium 85 occurred in the crayfish exoskeleton. Maximum activities of the other test radionuclides were observed in the tadpoles.

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