Evaluation of Biomonitoring Systems for Assessment of Contaminated Waters and Sediments at U.S. Army Installations.

Abstract

Contaminated groundwater, which contained multiple heavy metals and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons, from the surficial aquifer (well CC- 33B) at Beach Point located in the Canal Creek Area of the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground-Edgewood Area, Aberdeen, Maryland, was evaluated for toxicity and environmental hazard. Toxicity was detected at various groundwater concentrations by 7 of 9 biomonitoring systems. When estimated maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (MATC) were established, the data algae invertebrates and fish suggested that the groundwater would not be harmful at a concentration of 10% groundwater by volume. Likewise, no genotoxicity (Ames and SEC assays), developmental toxicity (FETAX), or chronic histopathology (9-month fish test) occurred at 10% groundwater by volume. The groundwater was considered to be a potentially excessive hazardous material to the benthic biota of the Bush River when a number of conservative assumptions (contaminant distribution and discharge rate of the aquifer) were used in the hazard assessment. However, the potential water quality impacts were judged to be minimal if a mixing zone were to be granted by the State of Maryland which allows for local exceedences of water quality standards. Near-field (ULINE model) and far-field (dye-tracer model) screening level dilution models were run to estimate the dilution of the groundwater discharge plume in the Bush River. The model analyses showed that a near-field dilution level of approximately 42:1 for the application of Maryland's acute aquatic life criteria and a near- field dilution level of 168:1 for the application of chronic criteria would occur.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 18, 1994
Accession Number
ADA304381

Entities

People

  • Dennis T. Burton
  • Henry S. Gardner
  • Randall S. Heriott
  • Steven D. Turley
  • Tommy R. Shedd

Organizations

  • University of Maryland

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alkenes
  • Aquatic Organisms
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Data Science
  • Environment
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Environmental Protection
  • Fish
  • Groundwater
  • Information Science
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Surveys
  • Toxicity
  • Water Quality

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aquatic Ecology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering.