thumbnail

Selected trace-element and synthetic-organic compound data for streambed sediment from the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille and Spokane River basins, Montana, Idaho, and Washington, 1998

Open-File Report 2002-336
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr02336

Links

Abstract

Streambed-sediment samples were collected at 22 sites during the summer of 1998 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Sampling sites in the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille and Spokane River basins represented a wide range of environmental conditions including pristine mountain streams and large rivers affected by mining-related and urban activities. Samples were analyzed for 45 inorganic major and trace elements, 109 syn­thetic organic compounds, and carbon. This report pre­sents the selected results of streambed-sediment sampling from the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille and Spo­kane River basins in Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Trace-element concentrations in streambed sedi­ment determined from this study were compared to median trace-element concentrations for streambed- sediment data collected from streams across the Nation during 1992-96. Generally, concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc were higher or similar to the national median concentration of these same trace elements. Concentrations of chromium, nickel, and selenium in streambed sediment of the study area generally were lower than the national median concentration. Most of the analytical results for synthetic organic compounds were reported as either estimated or non-detected values. Phthalates and polycyclic aro­matic hydrocarbons were the most frequently detected classes of synthetic organic compounds in streambed sediment. Organochlorine pesticide residues were detected at two sites. Polychlorinated biphenyls were detected at one site.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Selected trace-element and synthetic-organic compound data for streambed sediment from the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille and Spokane River basins, Montana, Idaho, and Washington, 1998
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2002-336
DOI 10.3133/ofr02336
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Idaho Water Science Center
Description vi, 26 p.
Country United States
State Idaho, Montana, Washington
Other Geospatial Clark Fork - Pend Oreille and Spokane River basins
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details