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Abstract
Seaford, K.D., B.G. Loganathan and D.A. Owen. 2002. Effect of water level
fluctuations on selected organic compounds and metals concentrations in
surface sediments from Ledbetter Embayment of Kentucky Lake. JEMREST
1:64-79.
DOI: 10.4029/2002jemrest1no15
This
study is part of Murray State University's
Collaborative Research in Undergraduate Institutions (C-RUI) Program
established to quantitatively characterize the effect of human induced,
seasonal water level fluctuations upon biogeochemical and ecological
processes within the littoral zone of the Kentucky Lake.
This study describes the effect of water level changes on selected organic
pollutants and inorganic elements in sediments of Ledbetter Embayment of
Kentucky Lake. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides
(DDTs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs)) and selected
metals (manganese, copper and strontium) were analyzed in surface sediments
collected during low pool and high pool seasons of 2000-2001. PCBs and
chlorinated pesticides in sediments presented similar distribution patterns
during low pool and high pool seasons. Individual analyte concentrations in
sediments were relatively higher during the high pool seasons. A similar
trend was also observed for Mn (low pool 113 mg/kg dry sediment and high pool
241 mg/kg dry sediment) and Sr (low pool 4.77 mg/kg dry sediment and high
pool 6.78 mg/kg dry sediment) concentrations in the sediments. Copper
concentrations (low pool 13.7 mg/kg dry sediment and high pool 6.21 mg/kg dry
sediment) in sediment showed a reverse trend. The seasonal changes in the
concentrations of the contaminants, including parent compounds and their
metabolites, in the Ledbetter Embayment indicate that the exposure to biota
varies during different seasons.
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