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Correlation of coprostanol to organic contaminants in coastal and estuarine sediments of the U. S

Journal Article · · Water Resources Bulletin; (USA)
;  [1]
  1. Department of Commerce, Seattle, WA (USA)
Results from the National Status and Trends Program, a nationwide effort to evaluate U.S. coastal and estuarine environmental quality, are analyzed to provide information about regional sources of organic contaminants in the benthic environment. Spearman's rank correlation procedure is applied to measurements of coprostanol, a chemical tracer of sewage, and three classes of organic compounds in sediments including selected major and trace elements, chlorinated pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The results suggest that discharges from publicly owned treatment works are responsible for concentrations of the organic compounds encountered in the northeastern coastal region, while other sources may predominate in the other regions of the country.
OSTI ID:
7024556
Journal Information:
Water Resources Bulletin; (USA), Journal Name: Water Resources Bulletin; (USA) Vol. 24:5; ISSN WARBA; ISSN 0043-1370
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English