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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Application of ultra-trace chemical measurements in sediment quality studies

Conference ·
OSTI ID:367455
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Arthur D. Little, Inc., Cambridge, MA (United States)
Chemical contaminants in sediments begin to affect benthic organisms at concentrations that are often lower than detection limits provided by conventional trace-level analytical methods. Examining linkages between toxic chemicals and biological effects in estuarine and coastal ecosystems requires accurate and precise chemical measurements at concentrations that bracket effects thresholds. Analytical approaches developed for monitoring trends in toxic chemical contaminant levels in coastal ecosystems--e.g., National Status and Trends Program and Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program--provide measurements needed to document these linkages where they occur. Case studies from the Delaware Estuary Program and the Massachusetts Bays Program will illustrate the advantages of ultra-trace analytical methods in contrast to conventional/standard methods for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides, and metals in sediment quality studies employing complementary indicators to assess ecosystem health.
OSTI ID:
367455
Report Number(s):
CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English