Studies of Trace Contaminants,Nutrients, and Bacteria Levels in the Niagara River

Sediment and water quality of the Niagara River were investigated during 1979 and 1980 to determine spatial and temporal differences in the levels of trace contaminants (heavy metals, phenolics, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides) as well as nutrients and bacteria. Data from these studies as well as recent biomonitoring studies indicate that the Niagara River continues to be a source of such contaminants as PCBs, BHCs, mirex, and heavy metals to Lake Ontario. The major source of the contaminants is the highly industrialized and urbanized Tonawanda Channel area in the upper section of the river. Although a substantial improvement in phenolics levels was noted in the river since earlier surveys in 1971, bacterial and phosphorus levels show no significant changes, particularly near the U.S. mainland shore of the Tonawanda Channel and near the Buffalo River mouth.