PCBs and PAHs as tracers of particulate dynamics in large lakes

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1988 · J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0380-1330(89)71464-7· OSTI ID:5907169

Baker, J E; Eisenreich, S J

Internal cycling of particles within the water columns of the Great Lakes results in spatial and temporal variability in concentrations of hydrophobic organic contaminants. Concentrations of organic carbon, fourteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and thirty-five polychlorobiphenyl (PCBs) congeners were measured in particles collected in detailed vertical profiles of the atmosphere, water column, and sediments of Lake Superior to assess the dynamics of organic matter and particle transport in large lakes. A benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) was observed from a manned submersible during a NOAA National Undersea Research Program cruise on Lake Superior in 1986. Patterns of organic contaminants associated with particles were examined by principal components analysis to determine the sources of particles to the BNL. Settling of surface water particles is the dominant source of solids, containing PAHs and PCBs to the BNL during stratification, while resuspension of surficial sediments also contributes to BNL formation. Large vertical fluxes of organic-rich particles serve to rapidly transport hydrophobic organic contaminants to the benthic region. Once in the BNL, however, particulate organic matter is rapidly degraded and is large not incorporated into underlying sediments. Rates of particulate organic matter utilization in the BNL are estimated to be orders of magnitude faster than corresponding rates in Lake Superior surficial sediments. Internal cycling of particles and organic matter significantly impacts the behavior and residence times of nutrients and contaminants in the water column of large lakes.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5907169
• Journal Information: J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Great Lakes Res.; (United States) Vol. 15:1; ISSN JGLRD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
AROMATICS
BENTHOS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CONTAMINATION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GREAT LAKES
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
LAKE SUPERIOR
LAKES
MASS TRANSFER
MONITORING
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
POLLUTION
SEDIMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER POLLUTION