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Trace elements and organic contaminants in stream sediments from the Red River of the North Basin

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Abstract

To assess the presence and distribution of a variety of hydro-phobic chemicals in streams in the Red River of the North Basin, bottom sediments were analyzed for trace elements, organochlorines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Glaciolacustrine clays and carbonate minerals are common in fine sediments of the region, and can help explain the distribution of many elements. Aluminum (Al), an indicator of glaciolacustrine clay minerals, correlates strongly (r>0.75, p<0.05) with Cr, Co, Fe, La, Li, K, Sc, and Ti; and moderately (0.55<r<0.75) with Ce, Cu, Ga, Nd, Ni, Th, V, and Y. Excluding the tributary Pembina River Basin, Eu, Nb, Ce, La, Nd, and Ni also have strong correlations with Al. Al correlates negatively with major elements associated with carbonate minerals (Ca, Mg, and inorganic carbon). No significant correlations with Al, Ca, or Mg were observed for As, Pb, Mn, Hg, Se, or Ag, which implies that these elements have different environmental sources or behaviors than glaciolacustrine clays or carbonate minerals. Reduction-oxidation processes may influence Mn distribution. Lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are known to be anthropogenically enriched in the environment--their distribution may indicate environmental enrichment in Red River of the North Basin streams. Organochlorines detected are limited to traces of DDT and its metabolites (mostlyp,p'-DDE). Fourteen PAHs, which are constituents of fossil fuels and of combustion byproducts, were detected in at least halfthe sediment samples; pyrene and fluoranthene were detected in about 90 percent of samples. The contaminants detected in this study were present at low levels, likely indicative of diffuse or remote sources; they occur widely in the environment. 

Suggested Citation

Brigham, M.E., Tornes, L., 1996, Trace elements and organic contaminants in stream sediments from the Red River of the North Basin, in North Dakota Water Quality Symposium, Bismarck, ND, March 20-21, 1996, p. 135-144.

Study Area

Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Trace elements and organic contaminants in stream sediments from the Red River of the North Basin
Year Published 1996
Language English
Contributing office(s) Minnesota Water Science Center
Description 10 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title North Dakota Water Quality Symposium
First page 135
Last page 144
Conference Title North Dakota Water Quality Symposium
Conference Location Bismarck, ND
Conference Date March 20-21, 1996
Country United States
State Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota
Other Geospatial Red River of the North Basin
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details