Monitoring Dissolved Hydrocarbons as a Function of the Tidal Cycle (New York Harbor).
Abstract
Measurements of dissolved hydrocarbon (C1-C4) as a function of the tidal cycle are reported. Measurements were made from 19 Sep to 5 Oct 1973 to evaluate a dissolved hydrocarbon monitoring system and to gain information about the behavior of dissolved pollutants in a tidal cycle. Sea water was pumped from 2-3 feet below the water level of New York Harbor and sprayed into a partially evacuated chamber where hydrocarbons were released as gases and subsequently transferred to a portable gas chromatograph for analysis. Generally, the monitoring system operated properly in the field with an experimental error of less than 20%. The trends of the relative data illustrate both the change in hydrocarbon concentration over the tidal cycle (as much as 6X) and the day-to-day variation of the coordinated tidal data. These data indicate that efficient and meaningful monitoring of dissolved pollutants can be accomplished best with an understanding of the tidal pattern of the pre-existing pollutants. Such background information is essential: (1) to determine a sampling window in the tidal cycle which will appropriately reflect the pollutant input relative to the pre-existing levels; (2) to interpret the extent and time frame of the increase due to the pollution incident; and (3) to interpret possible irregularities in the surveillance data obtained during the sampling window.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA015882
Entities
People
- William E. Mcgowan
Organizations
- [Means, goals and clinical aims of physioradiological methods of examination.]