Using congener-specific analysis to evaluate potential sources of PCB contamination in the Clinch River system
Conference
·
OSTI ID:212049
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Because of the toxicity and environmental persistence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), contamination of aquatic organisms with PCBs is an environmental issue throughout North America. Although the expression of PCB concentrations as Aroclor mixtures (e.g. 1254, 1260) is most common, information on the individual PCB congeners is more useful for investigating the fate, transport, and potential effects of PCBs in the environment. In Phase 1 of the Clinch River Remedial Investigation (CRRI), PCBs were identified as a primary contaminant of concern in the tissue of several fish species. In the Phase 2 component of the CRRI, tissue samples of key fish species were analyzed for 44 individual congeners and 6 Aroclors. This analysis of congeners was chosen to increase analytical accuracy and provide greater detail in order to identify past and present sources of contamination. The authors used canonical discriminant analysis to compare congener concentrations at various sites in the Clinch River, Poplar Creek, and Tennessee River. The results indicate that congener pattern discrimination among sites and sampling periods can provide insight into potential sources of contaminant input to the Clinch River System. The authors also discovered relevant temporal trends in congener occurrence and abundance, suggesting that redistribution of PCBs in the environment is ongoing or that some sources are still active.
- OSTI ID:
- 212049
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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