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Water Quality in the Anacostia River

Water Quality in the Anacostia River. Tony Smith December 1, 2005. Introduction. Purpose: identify sources of contaminant Data NHD (USGS) NED (USGS) Land cover (USGS) USGS bioavailability studies (Phelps 2002, 2003, 2004) Conclusion. PAHs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

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Water Quality in the Anacostia River

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  1. Water Quality in the Anacostia River Tony Smith December 1, 2005

  2. Introduction • Purpose: identify sources of contaminant • Data • NHD (USGS) • NED (USGS) • Land cover (USGS) • USGS bioavailability studies (Phelps 2002, 2003, 2004) • Conclusion

  3. PAHs • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons • occur naturally • produced in combustion reactions • Known or suspected carcinogens and mutagens • Integrated Risk Information System • RfD (naphthalene): 20 μg / kg day (estimate of daily exposure to population without appreciable deleterious effect)

  4. The Anacostia River • Watershed • covers 176 square miles • home to 800,000 • Three main drainage areas • northwest (32%) • northeast (45%) • Tidal (23%) • 1988 - 1995: spills totaling 60,000 gallons • “One of America’s 10 worst rivers”

  5. HUC 02070010Middle Potomac-Anacostia-Occoquan

  6. Land Cover

  7. Catchments and Industry

  8. Predictions based on land cover • High concentrations in tidal drainage streams • Little contaminant contribution from NW and NE branches

  9. PAH concentrations, 2001

  10. PAH Concentrations, 2002

  11. PAH Concentrations, 2003

  12. Summary of Data and Conclusion • 20 of 23 higher than reference (p<0.05) • Clam survival 6 – 98% • NE and Tidal Branches are primary contributors • Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is US EPA National Priority Site • US Navy Yard, Washington Gas Light Facility

  13. PAH Concentrations, 2002

  14. Additional Factors • Sediment • Stream gage • Suspended sediment • Precipitation • Frequency of water quality monitoring • Scope of land cover classification • EPA Priority Sites

  15. Thanks

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