Ecological assessment of a metal-contaminated pond in southern New England
- ABB Environmental Services, Wakefield, MA (United States)
- Springborn Labs., Wareham, MA (United States)
- Army Environmental Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (United States)
An integrated ecological risk assessment was conducted to evaluate toxicity and bioaccumulation associated with sediment contamination in Plow Shop Pond (PSP), a 30-acre pond bordered by a landfill in central Massachusetts. Data from sediment and fish tissue analysis, as well as, results of sediments toxicity tests and a benthic community survey, were considered in the assessment. Arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, and mercury were found at elevated concentrations in PSP sediments. Fish tissue body weight appeared to be a good predictor of mercury contaminate burden in PSP, with heavier fish having higher concentrations of mercury. Macroinvertebrate community data suggested that PSP may be slightly impacted relative to a reference pond, with a significantly lower taxa richness and fewer pollution-intolerant species than the reference site. Despite the high levels of metals in PSP, only moderate levels of acute toxicity were observed in screening level sediment toxicity tests with Hyalella azteca, Chironomus tentans, and Ceriodaphnia dubia. Reduced growth and reproduction were observed in these tests, indicating potential sub-lethal effects in exposed to PSP sediments. It is likely that high levels of Acid Volatile Sulfides and Total Organic Carbon in PSP sediment have increased its metal-binding capacity, thus reducing bioavailability and toxicity of the inorganics in sediment. A dilution series Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) was implemented to help identify stressors in PSP. The results of the integrated risk assessment at PSP are being used to evaluate remedial alternatives and to make risk management decisions.
- OSTI ID:
- 372551
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137-; ISBN 1-880611-03-1; TRN: IM9641%%628
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) world conference, Vancouver (Canada), 5-9 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Second SETAC world congress (16. annual meeting): Abstract book. Global environmental protection: Science, politics, and common sense; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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