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U.S. Department of Energy
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Sediment toxicity in Boston Harbor: Magnitude, extent, and relationships with chemical toxicants. Technical memo

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:371050

A survey of the toxicity of sediments throughout Boston Harbor and vicinity was conducted by NOAA`s National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program. The objectives of the survey were to determine the magnitude and spatial extent of toxicity and the relationship between measures of toxicity and the concentrations of chemical toxicants in the sediments. Multiple toxicity tests were performed including: an amphipod survival test performed with whole sediments, a microbial bioluminescence test performed with organic solvent extracts of the sediments, and sea urchin fertilization and embryological development tests performed with the pore waters extracted from the sediments. Chemical analyses were performed on selected samples for trace metals, polynuclear aromatic hydrcarbons, chlorinated pesticides, PCBs, and butyltins.

Research Organization:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD (United States). National Status and Trends Program
OSTI ID:
371050
Report Number(s):
PB--96-192398/XAB; NOAA-TM-NOS-ORCA--96
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English