Pollution results

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Surface Sediment (0-2cm)

Certain areas of each pond have high concentrations ("hot spots").
Source appears to be primarily atmospheric.
Run-off from land could not be differentiated.
Boat contamination could not be differentiated.
Concentrations found above sediment quality criteria in all three ponds.
Bioavailability is limited by sulfides and organic carbon.

Data:

Core sediment (0-115cm)

Concentrations of metals and PAHs increase with industrial revolution (~1880).
PCBs and DDTs increase at same depth (~1940).

Data:

All data (Quonochontaug)

Water

MTBE was the only VOC found in measurable concentrations.
MTBE levels are lower than standards.

Data:

All data (Quonochontaug)

Shellfish

Shellfish were uncontaminated.

Data:

All data (Quonochontaug)