Search USGS⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search USGS

Results for “Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology”

Search indexed USGS publications on groundwater, aquifers, geologic maps, mineral resources and earthquakes. Explore source records by subject and place.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
USGS2017

Challenges to oil spill assessment for seabirds in the deep ocean

We synthesize impediments for evaluating effects to seabirds from open ocean hydrocarbon releases. Effects on seabirds from ship discharges, spills, and well blowouts often are poorly detected and monitored far from land. Regulatory regimes for ocean spills can result in monitoring efforts that are not entirely transparent. We illustrate how interdisciplinary technologies address deficits that hamper individual or population level assessments for seabirds, and we demonstrate where emerging technologies might be engaged to bridge gaps in oil spill monitoring. Although acute mortality from direct oil exposure poses the greatest risk to seabirds, other hazards from light-attraction, flaring, collisions, chronic pollution, and hydrocarbon inhalation around oil infrastructure also may induce bird mortality in the deep ocean.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2017

Toxicity of chromium (VI) to two mussels and an amphipod in water-only exposures with or without a co-stressor of elevated temperature, zinc, or nitrate

The objectives of the present study were to develop methods for propagating western pearlshell ( Margaritifera falcata ) for laboratory toxicity testing and evaluate acute and chronic toxicity of chromium VI [Cr(VI)] to the pearlshell and a commonly tested mussel (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea at 20 °C or in association with a co-stressor of elevated temperature (27 °C), zinc (50 µg Zn/L), or nitrate (35 mg NO 3 /L). A commonly tested invertebrate (amphipod, Hyalella azteca ) also was tested in chronic exposures. Newly transformed pearlshell (~1 week old) were successfully cultured and tested in acute 96 h Cr exposures (control survival 100%). However, the grow-out of juveniles in culture for chronic toxicity testing was less successful and chronic 28-day Cr toxicity tests started with 4 month-old pearlshell failed due to low control survival (39–68%). Acute median effect concentration (EC50) for the pearlshell (919 µg Cr/L) and fatmucket (456 µg Cr/L) tested at 20 °C without a co-stressor decreased by a factor of > 2 at elevated temperature but did not decrease at elevated Zn or elevated NO 3 . Chronic 28-day Cr tests were completed successfully with the fatmucket and amphipod (control survival 83–98%). Chronic maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) for fatmucket at 20 °C (26 µg Cr/L) decreased by a factor of 2 at elevated temperature or NO 3 but did not decrease at elevated Zn. However, chronic MATC for amphipod at 20 °C (13 µg Cr/L) did not decrease at elevated temperature, Zn, or NO 3 . Acute EC50s for both mussels tested with or without a co-stressor were above the final acute value used to derive United States Environmental Protection Agency acute water quality criterion (WQC) for Cr(VI); however, chronic MATCs for fatmucket at elevated temperature or NO 3 and chronic MATCs for the amphipod at 20 °C with or without elevated Zn or NO 3 were about equal to the chronic WQC. The results indicate that (1) the elevated temperature increased the acute Cr toxicity to both mussel species, (2) fatmucket was acutely more sensitive to Cr than the pearlshell, (3) elevated temperature or NO 3 increased chronic Cr toxicity to fatmucket, and (4) acute WQC are protective of tested mussels with or without a co-stressor; however, the chronic WQC might not protect fatmucket at elevated temperature or NO 3 and might not protect the amphipod at 20 °C with or without elevated Zn or NO 3 .

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2019

Absence of PCB hot spot effect in walleye Sander vitreus from lower Green Bay of Lake Michigan

Under certain conditions, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentration in individuals of one sex of an adult fish population may exceed that of the other sex by more than a factor of two. This phenomenon, known as the PCB hot spot effect, has been postulated to be contingent upon the following two conditions: (1) presence of a PCB hot spot in the bottom sediments of the aquatic ecosystem such that prey PCB concentrations in the hot spot region are substantially higher than prey PCB concentrations in locations distant from the hot spot, and (2) habitat use varying between the sexes such that individuals of one sex inhabit the hot spot region to a considerably greater degree than individuals of the other sex. To test whether PCB concentrations in walleye Sander vitreus from lower Green Bay of Lake Michigan displayed a PCB hot spot effect, whole-fish PCB concentrations were determined in 10 female and 10 male adult walleye from the population spawning in the Fox River, the main tributary to lower Green Bay. In addition, mark-recapture data for the Fox River walleye population were analyzed to determine differences in spatial distributions between the sexes. Results revealed that the ratio of mean PCB concentration in males to mean PCB concentration in females was only 1.13, indicating the absence of a PCB hot spot effect. This result was corroborated by the mark-recapture data analysis, which showed no significant difference in habitat use between the sexes. Thus, although condition 1 was met, condition 2 was not met, and consequently the PCB hot spot effect was not observed in the Fox River walleye population. Lack of a significant difference in PCB congener distributions between the sexes further corroborated our conclusions.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2019

Element concentrations in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) from the U.S. and Binational Great Lakes’ areas of concern

Selected elements were targeted in state Remedial Action Plans as one group of chemicals affecting the Beneficial Use Impairments of Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC). Livers of nestling tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor, were harvested from 76 sites in the Great Lakes which included multiple sites at 27 AOCs and 12 reference sites from 2010 to 2015 and analyzed for 21 elements. Mercury concentrations were at background levels at all sites. Elevated cadmium (Cd) concentrations were associated with industry. The highest Cd values were from the Black River, OH AOC and associated with historic coke production, but were not at toxic levels. Lead (Pb) concentrations were highest on the Rouge River, MI AOC, the oldest and most heavily populated and industrialized area in southeast Michigan. Individual lead Pb concentrations were elevated to a level associated with delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase inhibition, but not to a level considered toxic. In contrast, livers harvested from sites on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan had selenium concentrations elevated to levels associated with reduced avian reproduction. One likely source of the high Se concentrations was pollution from a local coal-fired power plant. Concentrations of the remaining elements were at background levels.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2019

Biological effects of elevated major ions in surface water contaminated by a produced water from oil production

Produced water (PW) from oil and gas extraction processes has been shown to contain elevated concentrations of major ions. The objective of this study was to determine the potential effects of elevated major ions in PW-contaminated surface water on a fish (fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas ) and a unionid mussel (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea ) in short-term (7-day) exposures. The test organisms were exposed in 3 reconstituted waters formulated with 1, 2, and 4 times the major ions measured at a PW-contaminated stream site 1 month after a PW spill from an oil production wastewater pipeline in the Williston Basin, North Dakota. A reconstituted water mimicking the ionic composition of an upstream site from the spill was used as a reference water. Significant reductions in survival and growth of the fish were observed in the 4× treatment compared with the reference. The mussels were more sensitive than the fish, with significant reductions in survival in the 2× and 4× treatments, and significant reductions in length in the 1× and 2× treatments. Overall, these results indicate that elevated concentrations of major ions in PW-contaminated surface waters could adversely affect the fish and mussels tested and potentially other aquatic organisms.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2019

Perfluoroalkyl contaminant exposure in tree swallows nesting at Clarks Marsh, Oscoda, Michigan, USA

A site in north eastern Michigan, Oscoda Township, has some of the highest recorded exposure in birds to perfluorinated substances (PFASs) in the U.S. Some egg and plasma concentrations at that location exceeded the lowest reproductive effect threshold established for two avian laboratory species. The objectives of this study were to determine whether there were reproductive effects or physiological responses in a model bird species, the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), associated with this extremely high exposure to PFASs. The lack of exposure above background to other contaminants at this site allowed for an assessment of PFAS effects without the complication that responses may be caused by other contaminants. A secondary objective was to determine the distribution of PFASs in multiple tissue types to better understand and interpret residues in different tissues. This can best be done at highly exposed locations where tissue concentrations would be expected to be above detectable levels if they are present in that tissue. There were no demonstrable effects of PFAS exposure on reproduction nor on most physiological responses.

Michigan↗
USGS2019

Influence of season, sex, age and diet composition on mercury concentration in Walleye Sander vitreus

We collected Walleye Sander vitreus (May–October) from Bitter and Twin lakes, South Dakota to assess seasonal- and diet-related variation in tissue mercury (Hg) concentration. The average Hg concentration in Walleye was 43–68% higher in the spring for Bitter ( p < 0.008) and Twin Lakes ( p < 0.017) compared with summer or autumn months. Bioenergetics analysis of Bitter Lake Walleye showed that consumption of fish prey (primarily Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas ) increased from late summer through winter and was linked to increased Hg accumulation in Walleye the following spring. Mercury concentration varied significantly with Walleye age but was similar for comparably-aged male (0.62 μg/g) and female fish (0.62 μg/g). However, after adjusting for Walleye size (total length, mm), mean Hg concentration was greater in male (0.66 μg/g) compared with female (0.50 μg/g) fish, likely due to slower growth rate of male Walleye. At 425 mm, male Walleye in Bitter Lake were approximately 1 year older than female fish. These findings show that diet, age, and gender-related growth affect Hg concentration in Walleye and are important factors to consider in fish contaminant monitoring programs.

South Dakota↗
USGS2019

Contaminant concentrations in sediments, aquatic invertebrates, and fish in proximity to rail tracks used for coal transport in the Pacific Northwest: A baseline assessment

Railway transport of coal poses an environmental risk because coal dust contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mercury (Hg), and other trace metals. In the Pacific Northwest, proposed infrastructure projects could result in an increase in coal transport by train through the Columbia River corridor. Baseline information is needed on current distributions, levels, and spatial patterns of coal dust-derived contaminants in habitats and organisms adjacent to existing coal transport lines. To that end, we collected aquatic surface sediments, aquatic insects, and juvenile fish in 2014 and 2015 from Horsethief Lake State Park and Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), both located close to the rail line and within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Two subsites in each area were selected: one close to the rail line and one far from the rail line. Detected PAH concentrations were relatively low compared to those measured at more urbanized areas. Some contaminants were measured at higher concentrations at the subsites close to the rail line, but it was not possible to link the contaminants to a definitive source. Trace metal concentrations were only slightly higher than background concentrations, but a few of the more sensitive benchmarks were exceeded, including those for As, Pb, and Se in fish tissue and fluoranthene, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Fe, and As in sediments. At Horsethief Lake, Chinook salmon and yellow perch showed lower total mercury body burdens than other species, but PAH body burdens did not differ significantly among species. Differences in the species caught among subsites and the low number of invertebrate samples rendered food web comparisons difficult, but these data show that the PAHs and trace metals, including mercury, are accumulating in these wetland sites and in some resident organisms.

Washington↗
USGS2020

Mortality and cholinesterase inhibition in butterflies following aerial naled applications for mosquito control on the National Key Deer Refuge

Natural resource managers are concerned about the impacts of aerial ultra-low volume spray (ULV) of insecticides for mosquito control (i.e., mosquito adulticides) and seek science-driven management recommendations that reduce risk but allow vector control for nearby human populations. Managers at the National Key Deer Refuge (Florida Keys, FL) are concerned for ULV effects upon conservation efforts for imperiled butterflies (Florida leafwing [ Anaea troglodyta floridalis ] and Bartram’s hairstreak [ Strymon acis bartrami ] butterflies). No-spray zones were designated for protection of those butterflies, but their effectiveness for mitigation is unclear. To address this uncertainty, cholinesterase activity (ChE) and mortality were monitored for caged butterflies gulf fritillary [ Agraulis vanilla ] and great southern white [ Ascia monuste ]) deployed on the Refuge during three aerial ULV applications of the insecticide naled. Residue samplers also were deployed to estimate butterfly exposure. Spray efficacy against mosquitoes was assessed by deploying caged mosquitoes at the same locations as the butterflies. Average naled residue levels on filter paper samplers in the target area (1882–2898 µg/m 2 ) was significantly greater than in the no-spray zone (9–1562 µg/m 2 ). Differences between the no-spray zone and target area for butterfly mortality and ChE were inconsistent. Average mortality was significantly lower, and average ChE was significantly higher in the no-spray zone for larvae of one species but not for larvae of the other species. Mosquito mortality did not differ significantly between the two areas. Data from the present study reflect the inconsistent effectiveness of no-spray zones on the Refuge using standard methods employed at the time by the vector control agency in the Florida Keys and possibly by other vector control agencies in similar coastal environments. Furthermore, these findings helped to guide the design and to improve the conservation value of future no-spray zone delineations while allowing for treatment in areas where mosquito control is necessary for vector-borne disease reduction.

Florida↗
USGS2020

Evaluating a rapid field assessment system for anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of raptors

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are commonly used to control rodent pests. However, worldwide, their use is associated with secondary and tertiary poisoning of nontarget species, especially predatory and scavenging birds. No medical device can rapidly test for AR exposure of avian wildlife. Prothrombin time (PT) is a useful biomarker for AR exposure, and multiple commercially available point-of-care (POC) devices measure PT of humans, and domestic and companion mammals. We evaluated the potential of one commercially available POC device, the Coag-Sense ® PT/INR Monitoring System, to rapidly detect AR exposure of living birds of prey. The Coag-Sense device delivered repeatable PT measurements on avian blood samples collected from four species of raptors trapped during migration (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient > 0.9; overall intra-sample variation CV: 5.7%). However, PT measurements reported by the Coag-Sense system from 81 ferruginous hawk ( Buteo regalis ) nestlings were not correlated to those measured by a one-stage laboratory avian PT assay ( r = − 0.017, p = 0.88). Although precise, the lack of agreement in PT estimates from the Coag-Sense device and the laboratory assay indicates that this device is not suitable for detecting potential AR exposure of birds of prey. The lack of suitability may be related to the use of a mammalian reagent in the clotting reaction, suggesting that the device may perform better in testing mammalian wildlife

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2021

Aquatic toxicity of chemical road dust suppressants to freshwater organisms

Unpaved roads make up at least 14 million kilometers of the worldwide road network. Although investigations of road runoff often are focused on paved roads, unpaved roads contribute large volumes of runoff to roadside aquatic habitats and introduce unique constituents to runoff, such as chemical dust suppressants. At least 200 products across five chemical categories are commercially available for road dust suppression and are typically applied at rates up to 4.5 L/m 2 . Many of these products are poorly described and are lacking basic information on environmental transport, fate, and potential toxicity to roadside organisms. We characterized the aquatic toxicity of 27 commercially available dust control products, including 13 biobased products from the U.S. Department of Agriculture BioPreferred catalog, using juvenile rainbow trout. Acute toxicity varied by more than 1000-fold among products, with 96-h LC50 values ranging from 1.7 to > 16,000 mg/L. Toxicity was not well-predicted by product category. Testing with selected products after simulated weathering under UV radiation did not provide evidence of photoenhanced toxicity. Additional tests with freshwater mussels, juvenile crayfish, pond snails, and amphibian larvae indicated that juvenile rainbow trout were reasonable surrogates for these organisms for a subset of products. This effort represents one of the first comparative studies of dust suppressant toxicity and provides important information for assessing risk to aquatic resources from a widely used but understudied class of contaminants in road runoff.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2022

Chloride toxicity to native freshwater species in natural and reconstituted prairie pothole waters

Oil and gas extraction in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the northern USA has resulted in elevated chloride concentrations in ground and surface water due to widespread contamination with highly saline produced water, or brine. The toxicity of chloride is poorly understood in the high hardness waters characteristic of the region. We evaluated the toxicity of chloride to two endemic species, Daphnia magna (water flea) and Lemna gibba (duckweed), exposed in field-collected waters (hardness ~ 3000 mg/L as CaCO 3 ) and reconstituted waters (hardness 370 mg/L as CaCO 3 ) intended to mimic PPR background waters. We also investigated the role of chloride in the toxicity of water reconstituted to mimic legacy brine-contaminated wetlands, using two populations of native Pseudacris maculata (Boreal Chorus Frog). Chloride toxicity was similar in field-collected and reconstituted waters for both D. magna (LC50s 3070–3788 mg Cl −1 /L) and L. gibba (IC50s 2441–2887). Although hardness can ameliorate chloride toxicity at low to high hardness, we did not observe additional protection as hardness increased from 370 to ~ 3000 mg/L. In P. maculata exposures, chloride did not fully explain toxicity. Chloride sensitivity also differed between populations, with mortality at 2000 mg Cl − /L in one population but not the other, and population-specific growth responses. Overall, these results (1) document toxicity to native species at chloride concentrations occurring in the PPR, (2) indicate that very high hardness in the region’s waters may not provide additional protection against chloride and (3) highlight challenges of brine investigations, including whether surrogate study populations are representative of local populations.

Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming↗
USGS2023

Field assessment of Naled and its primary degradation product (dichlorvos) in aquatic ecosystems following aerial ultra-low volume application for mosquito control

Naled, an organophosphate insecticide, is applied aerially at ultra-low volumes over aquatic ecosystems near Sacramento, California, USA, during summer months for mosquito control. Two ecosystem types (rice fields and a flowing canal) were sampled in 2020 and 2021. Naled and its primary degradation product (dichlorvos) were measured in water, biofilm, grazer macroinvertebrates, and omnivore/predator macroinvertebrates (predominantly crayfish). Maximum naled and dichlorvos concentrations detected in water samples one day after naled application were 287.3 and 5647.5 ng/L, respectively, which were above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s aquatic life benchmarks for invertebrates. Neither compound was detected in water more than one day after the application. Dichlorvos, but not naled, was detected in composite crayfish samples up to 10 days after the last aerial application. Detections in water from the canal showed that the compounds were transported downstream of the target application area. Factors such as vector control flight paths, dilution, and transport through air and water likely affected concentrations of naled and dichlorvos in water and organisms from these aquatic ecosystems.

California↗
USGS2023

Adult mosquito and butterfly exposure to permethrin and relative risk following ULV sprays from a truck-mounted sprayer

Ground applications of adulticides via a specialized truck-mounted sprayer are one of the most common practices for control of flying adult mosquitoes. Aerosols released to drift through a targeted area persist in the air column to contact and kill flying mosquitoes, but may also drift into adjacent areas not targeted by the applications where it may affect nontarget insects such as imperiled butterflies. This study compared the risk of permethrin to adult mosquitoes and adult butterflies to assess the likelihood that the butterflies would be affected following such sprays. Permethrin toxicity values were determined for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (LD50s of 81.1 and 166.3 ng/g dw, respectively) and then combined with published toxicity data in a species sensitivity distribution for comparison with published permethrin toxicity data for adult butterflies. The sensitivity distributions indicated adult butterflies and mosquitoes are similarly sensitive, meaning relative risk would be a function of exposure. Exposure of adult butterflies and adult mosquitoes to permethrin was measured following their exposure to ULV sprays in an open field. Average permethrin concentrations on adult mosquitoes (912–38,061 ng/g dw) were typically an order of magnitude greater than on adult butterflies (110–11,004 ng/g dw) following each spray, indicating lower risk for butterflies relative to mosquitoes. Despite lower estimated risk, 100% mortality of adult butterflies occurred following some of the sprays. Additional studies could help understand exposure and risk for butterflies in densely vegetated habitats typical near areas treated by ULV sprays.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2024

The roles of diet and habitat use in pesticide bioaccumulation by juvenile Chinook Salmon: Insights from stable isotopes and fatty acid biomarkers

Stable isotopes (SI) and fatty acid (FA) biomarkers can provide insights regarding trophic pathways and habitats associated with contaminant bioaccumulation. We assessed relationships between SI and FA biomarkers and published data on concentrations of two pesticides [dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and degradation products (DDX) and bifenthrin] in juvenile Chinook Salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha ) from the Sacramento River and Yolo Bypass floodplain in Northern California near Sacramento. We also conducted SI and FA analyses of zooplankton and macroinvertebrates to determine whether particular trophic pathways and habitats were associated with elevated pesticide concentrations in fish. Relationships between DDX and both sulfur (δ 34 S) and carbon (δ 13 C) SI ratios in salmon indicated that diet is a major exposure route for DDX, particularly for individuals with a benthic detrital energy base. Greater use of a benthic detrital energy base likely accounted for the higher frequency of salmon with DDX concentrations > 60 ng/g dw in the Yolo Bypass compared to the Sacramento River. Chironomid larvae and zooplankton were implicated as prey items likely responsible for trophic transfer of DDX to salmon. Sulfur SI ratios enabled identification of hatchery-origin fish that had likely spent insufficient time in the wild to substantially bioaccumulate DDX. Bifenthrin concentration was unrelated to SI or FA biomarkers in salmon, potentially due to aqueous uptake, biotransformation and elimination of the pesticide, or indistinct biomarker compositions among invertebrates with low and high bifenthrin concentrations. One FA [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and DDX were negatively correlated in salmon, potentially due to a greater uptake of DDX from invertebrates with low DHA or effects of DDX on FA metabolism. Trophic biomarkers may be useful indicators of DDX accumulation and effects in juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Sacramento River Delta.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2025

Environmental persistence and toxicity of weathered wildland fire retardants to rainbow trout

Long-term fire retardants are employed to combat and control wildfires by altering the way fuels burn, and they continue to decrease fire intensity after water in the retardant solution has evaporated. After application, fire retardants may persist on dry stream beds or in riparian habitats before precipitation events flush the retardant into intermittent streams. We exposed juvenile (30–60 days post swim-up) rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) to fire retardants weathered for 7–56 days on different substrates (duff, gravel, high organic content soil, and low organic content soil) under static conditions for 96 h to evaluate the potential toxicity of two current-use long-term fire-retardant (LC95A-R and MVP-Fx) products. Trout mortality was greater in LC95A-R treatments compared to MVP-Fx due to higher concentrations of LC95A-R in the applied product than MVP-Fx at the same application rate. Underlying substrate affected fire-retardant toxicity, with 31% higher average mortality for products applied to duff and gravel compared to soil. Differences in mortality across substrates and products after weathering may be attributed to differences in the mix ratio of applied product and interactions of product chemistries with underlying substrate. These interactions resulted in elevated ionic concentrations of the overlying water in duff and gravel treatments. Trout mortality decreased 15% for products weathered 56 days compared to 7 days. Our results suggest that long-term fire retardants may persist in the environment and that underlying substrate may alter the toxicity of these products upon entrance into an intermittent stream.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗
USGS2025

Evaluation of polymer-based dust palliatives in soil and stormwater runoff in an arid environment

Dust palliatives are used to reduce fugitive dust in areas susceptible to erosion by wind and rain. In 2015, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) temporarily approved the use of polymer-based dust palliatives during the construction and operation of a solar energy facility and, in 2019, on a mining access road in Clark County, Nevada. The areas treated with palliative are habitat to the desert tortoise. The desert tortoise consumes water opportunistically from puddles, saturated soils, or by the collection of precipitation on their carapaces. Since little is known about the toxicity of polymeric substances to the desert tortoise, the BLM is concerned with the exposure of the desert tortoise to palliative in stormwater runoff. The BLM collaborated with the US Geological Survey (USGS) to evaluate the transport of butyl acrylate vinyl acetate (BA-VA), the copolymer ingredient in the dust palliatives applied in the study, away from areas of application. BA-VA concentrations were measured in soils treated with palliative up to 90 days post-treatment, after which the copolymer became undetectable (< 0.55 mg/g). BA-VA concentrations in all stormwater samples within and outside treated areas were consistently below detection (< 0.20 mg/mL). Although stormwater and treated soils eroded from the solar facility application area were found to have BA-VA concentrations below detection (< 0.55 mg/g), it is likely that some BA-VA (parent or degradation product) was transported with suspended material. It is also likely that the amount of BA-VA transported away from areas of application was a small fraction of that applied.

Nevada↗
USGS2000

Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems

Numerical sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) for freshwater ecosystems have previously been developed using a variety of approaches. Each approach has certain advantages and limitations which influence their application in the sediment quality assessment process. In an effort to focus on the agreement among these various published SQGs, consensus-based SQGs were developed for 28 chemicals of concern in freshwater sediments ( i.e ., metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides). For each contaminant of concern, two SQGs were developed from the published SQGs, including a threshold effect concentration (TEC) and a probable effect concentration (PEC). The resultant SQGs for each chemical were evaluated for reliability using matching sediment chemistry and toxicity data from field studies conducted throughout the United States. The results of this evaluation indicated that most of the TECs ( i.e ., 21 of 28) provide an accurate basis for predicting the absence of sediment toxicity. Similarly, most of the PECs ( i.e ., 16 of 28) provide an accurate basis for predicting sediment toxicity. Mean PEC quotients were calculated to evaluate the combined effects of multiple contaminants in sediment. Results of the evaluation indicate that the incidence of toxicity is highly correlated to the mean PEC quotient (R 2 = 0.98 for 347 samples). It was concluded that the consensus-based SQGs provide a reliable basis for assessing sediment quality conditions in freshwater ecosystems.

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxico↗