PCBs in the Housatonic River: determination and distribution

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq1981.00472425001000040004x· OSTI ID:5929207

Sawhney, B L; Frink, C R; Glowa, W

An understanding of the mechanisms for the transport of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as their reactions with sediments should help in developing strategies for removal and disposal of sediments in contaminated rivers. We have developed a convenient procedure, based on multiple linear regression of peak heights (or areas) from gas chromatograms, for estimating individual members (Aroclors) for the PCB group of chemicals. Analysis of the bottom sediments of the Housatonic River system along a 20-km section revealed that the sediments contained Aroclors 1248, 1254, and 1260 in the ratio of 1.0:0.6:1.9. PCB concentrations were highly correlated with clay and organic matter, suggesting that fine particles consisting of clay-organo complexes in the sediments may provide a primary means of retention and transport of PCBs. Laboratory sorption of PCBs by clay minerals, humic acid, and the river sediments further substantiate these conclusions.

• Research Organization: Connecticut Agriculture Experimental Station, New Haven
• OSTI ID: 5929207
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 10:4; ISSN JEVQA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AROMATICS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CLAYS
CONNECTICUT
DISTRIBUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HUMIC ACIDS
MINERALS
NORTH AMERICA
NORTH ATLANTIC REGION
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RIVERS
SEDIMENTS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WATER POLLUTION
WATER QUALITY