Restoring an Urban River

Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Contaminants in Bottom Sediment of the Lower Neponset River, Massachusetts
  • Robert Breault
  • Matthew Cooke

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey studied sediment and water quality, with an emphasis on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in the bottom sediment and water of the Neponset River. The USGS completed this study in cooperation with the Riverways Program of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The major findings of this study were: human activities have adversely affected sediment quality in the Neponset River; with the exception of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and PCBs, contaminant concentrations are similar to those of other urban rivers; sediment contaminant levels may adversely affect aquatic life and human health; PCBs continue to be released into the Neponset River; and PCBs in the water may have toxic effects.

Key words

Neponset River sediment elements PCBs PISCES 

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  • Robert Breault
    • 1
  • Matthew Cooke
    • 1
  1. 1.U.S. Geological SurveyNorthborough

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