Trace Organic Contaminants in the Detroit River

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs), chlorobenzenes (CBs), chlorophenols (CPs), and a number of other organochlorine compounds (OCs) have been determined in the surface microlayer, subsurface water, suspended solids, sediments, and in sediment pore water at 20 sampling stations in the Detroit River. The data are discussed in terms of contaminant sources, pathways, and sinks. Spatial trends within the river and relationships of contaminant groups within and between compartments are described. The results indicate a continuing input of all contaminant groups to the river from a variety of sources, particularly from sewage treatment plant effluents and several tributaries. The contaminant distributions and intercorrelations also indicate that major sources of PCBs, PNAs, OCs, and CBs are concentrated on the westerly river shore, while CPs enter the river mainly from the easterly shore.