Environmental transport and fate of PCBs in stream systems
- Fish and Wildlife Service, Cookeville, TN (United States)
- Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States)
Transport and distribution of PCBs were studied in three Kentucky stream systems varying in size from second to fifth order. Point source releases of PCBs in each system have resulted in issuance of fish consumption advisories by state agencies. Water, sediment, floodplain soil and fish-tissues were analyzed for PCBs. Several species were analyzed, including longear sunfish, green sunfish, stonerollers and banded sculpins, which represent different trophic levels and feeding habits. Relatively rapid disappearance of PCBs was noted in green sunfish and may provide a better indication of the current PCB bioavailability in each system. In one stream system, PCBs were detected in water, sediments and floodplain soils sixty-five miles from the known source. Although contaminated groundwater may contribute substantial PCB loading to streams near sources, sequential resuspension of PCB-contaminated sediment is considered to be the main long-range transport mechanism. Contaminant data were incorporated into a GIS system to evaluate potential distribution in the floodplains. Relationships between various tissue concentrations are being examined. These results indicate the potential for persistence, continued sublethal effects and ecological risk of PCBs in lotic systems.
- OSTI ID:
- 458328
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961149-; TRN: IM9717%%114
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 17. annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: partnerships for the environment - science, education, and policy, Washington, DC (United States), 17-21 Nov 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of SETAC 17. annual meeting -- Abstract book. Partnerships for the environment: Science, education, and policy; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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