The vertical distribution of selected trace metals and organic compounds in bottom materials of the proposed lower Columbia River export channel, Oregon, 1984
Water-Resources Investigations Report
88-4099
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Abstract
A proposal to deepen the lower Columbia River navigation channel in Oregon prompted a study of the vertical distribution of selected trace metals and organic compounds in bottom sediments. These data are needed to evaluate the effects of dredging and disposal operations. Elutriation testing of bottom material indicated chemical concentrations as large as 900 ug/L for barium, 6,500 ug/L for manganese, and 14 ug/L for nickel. The amount of oxygen present during elutriation testing of reduced bottom material was shown to have a negligble effect on manganese elutriate-test concentrations, but it did affect barium and iron concentrations. Sediment-associated organochlorine compounds detected in bottom-sediment core samples were as large as 0.1 ug/kg (micrograms/kilogram) for aldrin, 2.0 ug/kg for chlordane, 27 ug/kg for DDD, 5.0 ug/kg for DDE, 0.2 ug/kg for DDT, 0.2 ug/kg for dieldrin, 37 ug/kg for PCB 's 1.0 ug/kg for PCN 's and 1.0 ug/kg for heptachlor epoxide. Concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc in selected cores were found to exceed those of local basalts. Concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc were as large as 3.6 ug/g, 26 ug/g, and 210 ug/g respectively. Bottom-sediment concentrations of cadmium , chromium, copper, iron, and zinc associated with the less-than-100-micrometer size fraction are larger than those associated with the greater-than-100-micrometer fraction. (USGS)
Suggested Citation
Fuhrer, G.J., Horowitz, A.J., 1989, The vertical distribution of selected trace metals and organic compounds in bottom materials of the proposed lower Columbia River export channel, Oregon, 1984: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 88-4099, vi, 40 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri884099.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | The vertical distribution of selected trace metals and organic compounds in bottom materials of the proposed lower Columbia River export channel, Oregon, 1984 |
| Series title | Water-Resources Investigations Report |
| Series number | 88-4099 |
| DOI | 10.3133/wri884099 |
| Year Published | 1989 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey, |
| Contributing office(s) | Oregon Water Science Center |
| Description | vi, 40 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm. |