Progress in Ecological Research at Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland: Fiscal Years 1971 and 1972.
Abstract
Ecological research was initiated in August 1969 due indirectly to public and Congressional concern about the existence of a testing program for chemical agents, and due directly to recommendations of an external committee of experts after reviewing testing procedures and safety precautions. The environmental research primarily explored the impact of testing chemical agents for more than 20 years on Carroll Island. Investigations compared flora and fauna from test sites with those from areas on the island remote from agent disseminations. Many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, plants, and algae were studied. These investigations were supported by analytical chemical, biochemical, pathological, toxicological, and physicochemical studies. Results of these studies indicate that no measurable acute ecological damage has resulted from the tests. Several studies are now in progress to elucidate chronic environmental effects, if any. Recent changes in the abundance of certain organisms in the surrounding Chesapeake Bay are considered to be indicators of general decline of the estuary's health, probably due mainly to enrichment by sewage and runoff of fertilizers. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0761028
Entities
People
- F. Prescott Ward