The Role of Seabed Dynamics In Controlling the Distribution and Preservation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Estuarine Sediments

Abstract

The overall goal of this study is to examine the role that energy regime and associated seabed dynamics (e.g., frequency and depths of resuspension) play in controlling the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in estuarine sediments. Our objectives are to examine sediment PAH distributions in environments representing contrasting depositional regimes within the York River, VA, a sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay. Our study utilizes a suite of geochemical tools to quantify sediment processes influencing the distribution of dissolved and solid-phase PAHs. These tools will enable us to quantify particle residence times in surface sediments, determine rates of sediment accumulation and disturbance, and investigate the effects of sediment organic matter composition and diagenesis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2000
Accession Number
ADA610015

Entities

People

  • Elizabeth A. Canuel
  • Rebecca M. Dickhut
  • Steven A. Kuehl

Organizations

  • Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Bays
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemistry
  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Cyclic Hydrocarbons
  • Degradation
  • Dynamics
  • Electronic Mail
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Molecular Weight
  • Oceanography
  • Sediments
  • Solid Phases
  • York River

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Organic Chemistry