The Mussel Watch California pilot study on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs): synthesis and next steps

Marine Pollution Bulletin
By: , and 

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Abstract

A multiagency pilot study on mussels (Mytilus spp.) collected at 68 stations in California revealed that 98% of targeted contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) were infrequently detectable at concentrations ⩽1 ng/g. Selected chemicals found in commercial and consumer products were more frequently detected at mean concentrations up to 470 ng/g dry wt. The number of CECs detected and their concentrations were greatest for stations categorized as urban or influenced by storm water discharge. Exposure to a broader suite of CECs was also characterized by passive sampling devices (PSDs), with estimated water concentrations of hydrophobic compounds correlated with Mytilus concentrations. The results underscore the need for focused CEC monitoring in coastal ecosystems and suggest that PSDs are complementary to bivalves in assessing water quality. Moreover, the partnership established among participating agencies led to increased spatial coverage, an expanded list of analytes and a more efficient use of available resources.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The Mussel Watch California pilot study on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs): synthesis and next steps
Series title Marine Pollution Bulletin
DOI 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.04.023
Volume 81
Issue 2
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 9 p.
First page 355
Last page 363
Country United States
State California
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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