Effects of metals on a montane aquatic system evaluated using an integrated assessment approach
Conference
·
OSTI ID:230864
- Hagler Bailly, Boulder, CO (United States)
- Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO (United States)
Surface water, benthic invertebrates, aufwuchs, and sediments were sampled in a Rocky Mountain stream impacted by a cobalt-copper mine. A randomized study design was employed to ensure valid inferences beyond the areas sampled. As, Co, and Cu concentrations in all media downstream of the mine were 1--3 orders of magnitude greater than concentrations upstream, and concentrations in invertebrates were greater than those that adversely affect trout via dietary intake. Correlational analysis shows that bioaccumulation mechanisms and pathways between the different media differ from element to element; the differences are related to geochemical characteristics of the elements. The benthic invertebrate community is severely impacted for at least 50 km downstream of the mine: Ephemeropteran density, number of taxa, and total biomass are as low as 0.1% of values upstream. Other indices of the effects of metals on invertebrate communities that have been used elsewhere were ineffective in detecting these severe impacts. The integrated assessment approach used in this study provides information on contaminant sources, exposure pathways and mechanisms, and impacts to the stream ecosystem at several organizational levels.
- OSTI ID:
- 230864
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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