NEAR FIELD RECEIVING WATER MONITORING OF TRACE METALS IN CLAMS (MACOMA BALTHICA) AND SEDIMENTS NEAR THE PALO ALTO WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLANT IN SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIFORNIA: 2003

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2004-1213

By Edward Moon, Samuel N. Luoma, Daniel J. Cain, Michelle I. Hornberger and Carlos Primo C. David

This report is available as a pdf.

Abstract

Trace element concentrations were analyzed on samples of fine-grained sediments and clams (Macoma balthica) collected from a mudflat one kilometer south of the discharge of the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in South San Francisco Bay. This report serves as a continuation of the Near Field Receiving Water Monitoring Study, which was started in 1994. The data for 2003, herein, are interpreted within that context. Metal concentrations in both sediments and clam tissue samples have been within the range of values produced by seasonal variability; however, copper and zinc, display continued decreases over the last decade. In 2003, copper in sediment was observed to drop below the ERL (Effects Range-Low) concentration for the third consecutive year and zinc concentrations never exceeded the ERL. Yearly average concentrations of copper, zinc and silver in Macoma balthica for 2003 are some of the lowest recorded since monitoring began in 1975. Mercury and selenium concentrations in sediments and clams at Palo Alto were similar to concentrations observed elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay.

Contents

Table of contents

List of figures

List of tables

Abstract

Introduction

Objectives

Study Site

Methods

Sediment

Clams

Metals Analysis

Results and Discussion

Salinity

Clams

Conclusion

References

Figures

Tables

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Appendix G

For additional information write to:

Samuel N. Luoma,

MS 465

U.S. Geological Survey

345 Middlefield Road

Menlo Park, CA 94025

http://ca.water.usgs.gov/

Copies of this report may be obtained from the authors or:

U.S. Geological Survey,

Information Services
Box 25286, Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225

For more information about the USGS and its products:

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS
World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/

View

The full report is available in pdf format and is 828 KB in size.

If you have Adobe® Acrobat® or Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® installed on your computer, you may view and print the PDF version of this report. Acrobat Reader, is a free download it from Adobe Systems, Inc.  Users with disabilities can view information concerning accessibility at access.adobe.com.

Return to Top

AccessibilityFOIAPrivacyPolicies and Notices
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Persistent URL: http://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/of/2004/1213/ Page Contact Information: USGS Publishing Network Last modified: Saturday, January 12 2013, 11:13:06 PM

---