Fates of Organic Compounds from Niagara Falls Dumpsites in Lake Ontario

Sediment samples from the western portion of Lake Ontario were analyzed for chlorinated organic compounds using gas chromatography and gas chromatographic mass spectrometry. Both electron impact and negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry were employed. Many of the chlorinated compounds previously found to be leaking into the Niagara River from waste disposal sites in the city of Niagara Falls were identified in the sediments of Lake Ontario. In particular, two unique chlorofluorinated compounds were found in the lake's sediment, showing that stable compounds introduced into the Niagara River accumulate to detectable levels 100 km away in Lake Ontario. Chlorinated styrenes as well as several highly chlorinated poly cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also found. Their exact origin is uncertain at this time.