Seawater Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Copper in San Diego Bay
Abstract
Water quality measurements were made throughout San Diego Bay in 1997 as part of the Navy's efforts to assess current environmental conditions in the bay. The water quality measurements focused on polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and copper concentrations, compounds that have been identified as chemical contaminants of concern by the San Diego Bay Interagency Water Quality Control Panel. The effort was designed to assess how recent changes in bilge water operations and the removal of creosote impregnated pier pilings at Naval Station, San Diego, may have impacted the steady state concentrations of these contaminants in the waters of San Diego Bay. Concentrations of PAH were the lowest measured in the bay in the last 8 years. Recent PAM levels at NAVSTA sites compared with those measured historically are significantly lower by a factor of nine. Non NAVSTA sites were also significantly lower by more than a factor of two. Based on the historical distribution of sources and source types, the reduction in PAM concentrations at NAVSTA sites and, perhaps, the rest of the bay, can be attributed directly to the change in operations at NAVSTA. While recent Cu concentrations were not statistically different from those measured historically at NAVSTA sites, the remainder of the bay had significantly lower concentrations. Operational changes at NAVSTA have not impacted Cu concentrations in the bay.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA342454
Entities
People
- C. N. Katz
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command