Physical barrier to reduce WP mortalities of foraging waterfowl
White phosphorus (WP) has been identified as the cause of mortality to certain species of water-fowl at Eagle River Flats, a tidal marsh in Alaska, used as an ordinance impact area by the US Army. A blend of calcium bentonite/organo clays, gravel, and binding polymers was tested for effectiveness as a barrier to reduce duck foraging and mortality. Following the application of the barrier to one of two contaminated ponds, the authors observed greater duck foraging and higher mortality in the untreated pond and no mortality in the treated pond after a year of tidal inundations and ice effects. Emergent vegetation recovered within a year of treatment. WP levels in the barrier were less than the method limit of detection, indicating no migration of WP into the materials. Barrier thickness remained relatively stable over a period of 4 years, and vegetation was found to be important in stabilizing the barrier material.
- Research Organization:
- Dept. of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20015093
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Environmental Engineering (New York), Vol. 126, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 2000; ISSN 0733-9372
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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