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Modeling of selenium for the San Diego Creek watershed and Newport Bay, California

Open-File Report 2009-1114
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20091114

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Abstract

The San Diego Creek watershed and Newport Bay in southern California are contaminated with selenium (Se) as a result of groundwater associated with urban development overlying a historical wetland, the Swamp of the Frogs. The primary Se source is drainage from surrounding seleniferous marine sedimentary formations. An ecosystem-scale model was employed as a tool to assist development of a site-specific Se objective for the region. The model visualizes outcomes of different exposure scenarios in terms of bioaccumulation in predators using partitioning coefficients, trophic transfer factors, and site-specific data for food-web inhabitants and particulate phases. Predicted Se concentrations agreed well with field observations, validating the use of the model as realistic tool for testing exposure scenarios. Using the fish tissue and bird egg guidelines suggested by regulatory agencies, allowable water concentrations were determined for different conditions and locations in the watershed and the bay. The model thus facilitated development of a site-specific Se objective that was locally relevant and provided a basis for step-by-step implementation of source control.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Modeling of selenium for the San Diego Creek watershed and Newport Bay, California
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2009-1114
DOI 10.3133/ofr20091114
Edition Version 1.0
Year Published 2009
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, Water Resources National Research Program
Description v, 48 p.
Country United States
State California
Online Only (Y/N) Y
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