A combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with backscattered electron detection (SEM/BSE), and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) is being used to determine the nature of uranium in soils from the Fernald Environmental Management Project. The information gained from these studies is being used to develop and test remediation technologies. Investigations using SEM have shown that uranium is contained within particles that are typically 1 to 100 micrometers in diameter. Further analysis with AEM has shown that these uranium-rich regions are made up of discrete uranium-bearing phases. The distribution of these uranium phases was found to be inhomogeneous at the microscopic level.

The following report is meant to evaluate whether the information on oocyte size improves ability to predict ovary weight from body weight, and we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different sample sizes for characterizing egg size.

This report is based on the findings from an observational study on the Hawaiian monk seal on Laysan Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands during April 8 to July 20 1987 and March 30 to July 16 1989. The data collected focuses on haul-out, behavior, and reproductive patterns; population structure; and factors affecting survival.

Annual report for the superconductor program at Argonne National Laboratory discussing the group's activities and research. This report describes technical progress of research and development efforts aimed at producing superconducting components in the Y-Ba-Cu, (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu, (Tl,Pb,Bi)-(Ba,Sr)-Ca-Cu, and Hg-Ba-Ca-Cu-O oxide systems including: synthesis and heat treatment of high-Ta superconductors, formation of monolithic and composite conductors, characterization of structures and superconducting and mechanical properties, and fabrication and testing of prototype components.