Summary

Description

This study was undertaken to assess several contaminant concerns at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The objectives of this project were 1 to determine if agricultural chemicals are present in waters entering Quivira, 2 to determine the extent petroleum hydrocarbon contamination from oil extraction activities on Quivira, 3 determine if selenium is present at Quivira in concentrations of concern, and 4 determine if other inorganic or organic contaminants are found at levels of concern in food of interior least terns and snowy plovers. The investigation found that contamination does not appear to be widespread at Quivira. However, several compounds and trace elements were detected at elevated concentrations in only one or two samples. One composite forage fish sample contained elevated concentrations of arsenic, copper, and lad. Aromatic hydrocarbon indices suggest that petogenic contamination of soils is occurring at Quivira and particularly around one group of oil production facilities. Elevated concentrations of selenium were detected in water samples taken throughout the summer at one site. Triazine compounds, including atrazine, could be a serious concern for Quivira due to the frequency of detection of triazines in surface water samples and the potential for effects, at low concentrations, to amphibians. However, more detailed work would be needed to evaluate this situation. Although ednrin was detected in 71 of the invertebrate samples it was found at low concentrations. We do not believe that at the concentrations detected in this study that endrin is a concern for Quivira. However, endrin is more toxic to fish than to invertebrates and can accumulate rapidly in fish exposed through food sources. Although it is unlikely that the concentrations of the organic compounds and trace elements detected in the samples are high enough to cause direct mortality, they could be causing detrimental effects through the long term exposure or from the combination of several compounds or elements. It is difficult to make conclusions about the possible impacts of wildlife based on the limited sampling for this study. More comprehensive sampling in areas where elevated concentrations were found might reveal the spatial distribution and level of occurrence of the compounds and elements. The largest reductions in pesticide levels on the Refuge might be gained from working with landowners in the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed to reduce the amounts of pesticides used on crops and to establish buffers along the streams and wetlands in the watershed to reduce the amount of pesticides entering the water. Refuge staff should continue to inspect the oil production facilities and work to prevent spill and initiate quick cleanup of any spills. A more comprehensive investigation of groundwater should be initiated to determine if groundwater is contribution selenium and other traces of elements to the Refuge.

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This narrative report for Arrowwood NWR outlines Refuge accomplishments from August through October of 1938. The report begins by summarizing the weather conditions and water conditions during this period. Wildlife including migratory birds, upland game birds, predators, and rodents is also covered. The Refuge development and maintenance section discusses physical developments, plantings, and collections and receipts. Resource management is outlined; topics include grazing and haying. The public relations section of the report describes Refuge visitors. Photographs are attached.

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Description

A dieoff of freshwater mussels in 1990, attributed to anticholinesterase pesticide contamination of a North Carolina stream, has led the National Biological Service and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore the development of biomonitoring programs using cholinesterase activity to assess the threat of anticholinesterase pesticides to freshwater mussels. However, background information such as normal cholinesterase activities and basic biochemical properties of the cholinesterases present in mussels is extremely limited. Early attempts to identify baseline cholinesterase activities for fieldcollected eastern elliptio Elliptio complanata have been plagued by high levels of variation in activities measured in mussels exposed to the same environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were twofold: 1 to elucidate and reduce this variability through the characterization of the cholinesterases involved and the refinement of assay protocols, and 2 to continue for a second year the biomonitoring of cholinesterase activities in E. complanata in the area of the Tar River basin, North Carolina, where the dieoff occurred. Enzyme characterization studies discovered that cholinesterase activities in crude homogenates of adductor muscle demonstrated inhibition with increasing substrate concentrations, preferred acetylthiocholine as a substrate over butyryl and propionylthiocholine, and was not significantly inhibited by a specific butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor, suggesting that the predominately active enzyme in adductor muscle tissue is acetylcholinesterase. Minor improvements to the assay protocols did not lower the overall variation in activities of field samples. Coefficients of variation for each collection event still ranged from 24.12 to 65.46. However, despite the large intrasite variation in ChE activities, the Hilliardston collection site, located near the 1990 dieoff site, did reveal a significantly p 0.05 lower average cholinesterase activity 94.41 46.05 umoles substrate hydrolyzedming protein than the Berea reference site 141.20 58.36 umoles substrateming protein. Evidence was insufficient to conclude that the decrease in cholinesterase activity at the dieoff site was due to anticholinesterase agents. It is suggested that the variation in cholinesterase activities is mainly influenced by characteristics of the individual rather than measured water quality parameters. These characteristics are discussed along with recommendations for improving the biomonitoring program.

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A survey of contaminants in sediments and aquatic macroinvertebrates at several locations on the proposed Yellowbank Slough National Wildlife Refuge was conducted during the 1990 and 1991 field seasons. Surface water samples, bottom sediments and aquatic macroinvertebrates were collected at selected sampling locations for chemical analysis and aquatic invertebrate bioassays. This paper reports the concentrations of inorganic and organic chemical parameters in bed sediments, the results of Ceriodaphnia dubia and Hyalella azteca bioassays, and the results of the MicrotoxTM assays for sediment and water samples collected from selected locations in the drainage. Although widespread contamination due to oil and gas development activities was not apparent from the data obtained during the present study, the results indicate that there may be some potential localized areas of concern throughout the proposed area of acquisition in the Yellowbank Slough region.

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Description

From 1990 to 1993 three National Wildlife Refuges NWRs located west of the Missouri River in North Dakota were surveyed for contaminants. Trace element concentrations were determined in water, sediment, fish, and bird tissues collected from Stewart Lake, White Lake, and Lake Ilo NWRs. Selenium levels in youngoftheyear waterfowl livers from Stewart Lake ranged from 4.3 to 40 ugg dry wt., with a mean of 18.5. This concentration is considered elevated. Waterfowl livers from White Lake and Lake Ilo were not elevated. Selenium in 41 eared grebe Podiceps nigrico11is eggs, from Stewart Lake NWR averaged 4.5 ugg dry weight range 2.96.5 ugg, and is above the 85th percentile of mean concentrations in background investigations of selenium in eggs from the western United States. All other contaminant concentrations were within normal ranges. Management strategies to improve water quality and reduce erosion would be beneficial to Stewart Lake NWR.

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Shelta Cave is a cavern system which lies under the northwestern portion of the City of Huntsville, Alabama. The National Speleological Society owns property which contains two pit entrances to the cave, and also maintains their headquarters office on a portion of this property. Shelta Cave formerly housed a faunal community believed to be one of North Americas richest in terms of species diversity and abundance. In recent years, there have been great declines in the number of aquatic troglobitic species present in Shelta Caves subterranean lake. This study was designed to determine whether contaminants have been a factor contributing to the observed declines in aquatic cave fauna. Ten sets of water samples were collected during an approximate 10week period in the early summer of 1990. The samples were serially collected over an extended period of time to obtain representative samples of any contamination that might enter the cave via storm runoff conveyed through sinkholes. Sediment samples were also collected on the first and last trip into the cave. Water samples were assayed for 28 chlorohydrocarbon compounds, 20 potentially toxic metals, 25 organophosphate and six carbamate pesticides, and six chlorophenoxy acid herbicides. Sediment samples were assayed for 27 chlorohydrocarbon compounds, 23 potentially toxic metals, 25 organophosphate and six carbamate pesticides, and six chlorophenoxy acid herbicides. Although several of the water samples contained detectable traces of potentially harmful contaminants, only heptachlor epoxide was present at a concentration believed to be capable of adversely affecting aquatic cave life. Chlordane, dieldrin, and heptachlor epoxide concentrations detected in Shelta Cave sediments were believed capable of biologically impairing Shelta Caves aquatic ecosystem. DDT, DDD, and DDE also appeared in the sediment samples, but at concentrations too low to clearly predict adverse biological effects. Bioassays should be used to ascertain the acute and chronic toxicity i.e., EC50 values of Shelta Caves sediments to determine if sedimentrelated toxicity may be a factor in the reported declines of the aquatic fauna.

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Description

Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge sits astride the Concord and Sudbury Rivers in portions of the towns of Bedford, Billerica, Lincoln, Carlisle, Concord, and Sudbury, Massachusetts, which are suburban communities that lie west of the Boston Metropolitan area. Due to the suburban context of the refuge, the potential risk of pollution affecting the refuge is high. Both the Sudbury and Concord Rivers may receive contaminant loadings from a variety of sources, including industrial effluents, sewage treatment effluents, road runoff, and landfill leachate. There are also at least two Superfund sites in the watershed; the Nyanza site in Ashland and Hocomonco Pond in Westborough. The potential for any or all of these sources of pollution to adversely affect the refuge stimulated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services interest in determining if the refuge has been impacted by contaminants, and evaluating the extent of injury. In 1986, a screening survey was conducted by analyzing fish captured in major sediment depositional areas of the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. Figure 1 shows the location of these river systems in Massachusetts. In 1987, mare intensive sampling was conducted which included analyzing sediments and fish from a broader extent of the river systems, and analyzing small mammals and redwinged blackbird eggs from refuge property. In 1989, sediments were analyzed in specific locations as a hotspot assessment.

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The Cache Creek watershed is located in the California Coastal range approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco in Lake, Colusa and Yolo Counties. Wildlife resources in the Cache Creek drainage include the second largest wintering population of bald eagles in California, peregrine falcons, tule elk, river otters, foothill yellow legged frog and other wildlife. The Cache Creek watershed has been identified as a dominant Coast Range source of mercury to the Sacramento River and the Delta. This report represents an independent effort by the Fish and Wildlife Service to quantify mercury bioaccumulation in the Cache Creek watershed. Our evaluation of mercury concentrations in biota focused upon the downstream hydrological region of Cache Creek, the upstream portion of the North for of Cache Creek and Bear Creek above and below inputs from Sulphur Creek, but did not include sampling in Clear Lake as this area has been well characterized for mercury bioaccumulation by others Suchanek et al, 1993 and 1995.

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Reproductive success of American white pelicans Pelecanus erythrorhynchus was monitored at a nesting colony on Anaho Island, Pyramid Lake, Nevada in 1996. Eggs were collected and analyzed for organochlorine pesticides OCPs, total polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs, and an array of metals and trace elements, including mercury Hg and selenium Se. Blood samples from 2weekold nestlings were analyzed for Hg and Se, and samples from prefledging nestlings were also analyzed for Hg and Se plus other metals and trace elements. Livers from adult pelicans found dead and a few prefledging nestlings that were euthanized and necropsied were also analyzed for metals and trace elements. Muscle samples of adults also were analyzed for OCPs and PCBs. Fishes from representative feeding areas and regurgitate samples from nestlings were collected and analyzed for OCPs, PCBs, and an array of metals and trace elements, including Hg and Se, to determine levels and sources of contamination to breeding pelicans. Similar sampling activities were conducted at a reference colony at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge NWR, Oregon. Reproductive success at the Anaho Island colony was normal based on hatching rates of eggs and survival of nestlings. Organochlorine pesticide and PCB concentrations in eggs were below known effect levels, with biologically insignificant shell thinning. Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were seldom detected in fish, but OCPs were elevated in muscle samples of 20 of adult pelicans. Mercury concentrations in eggs were generally below known effect levels, as were concentrations of other metals and trace elements. Metal and trace element concentrations in fish ranged widely for some constituents, with Hg of greatest concern. Microscopic lesions of Hg toxicity were absent in prefledging nestlings that were euthanized. Some adult pelicans had elevated Hg concentrations in their livers; however, the potential toxic effects were difficult to evaluate because the proportion of methylHg declined as total Hg concentrations increased, thereby possibly providing protection from toxicity.

Summary

Description

In 1989, a reconnaissance investigation of the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge Las Vegas NWR in New Mexico was conducted to determine if inorganic and organic contaminants were present in sediment and biota. Samples of sediment, and plant, invertebrate, fish, and bird tissue were collected from eight sites and analyzed to determine if trace elements, organochlorine compounds and chlorophenoxy acid herbicides were present at levels which would pose risks to fish and wildlife resources. All bird tissue and most fish tissue samples had detectable levels of DDE and one killdeer sample containing 3.7 parts per million ppm exceeded the predator alert level of 1.0 ppm National Academy of Sciences 1973. Total polychlorinated biphenyl PCB concentration in one American coot egg sample was 0.19 ppm, exceeding the PCB alert level of 0.1 ppm International Joint Commission U.S. and Canada 1988. One mallard had 37 percent inhibition of AChE activity, indicating the bird had been exposed to an organophosphate or carbamate insecticide. Selenium concentrations in adult mallard livers and kidneys ranged from 11 to 21 microgramsgram ugg dry weight dwt, all other bird livers and kidneys ranged from 3.83 to 9.17 ugg dwt. Selenium in other biotic samples ranged from 0.66 to 2.76 ugg dwt for aquatic invertebrates, 1.17 to 8.31 ugg dwt in fish and 1.47 to 1.69 ugg dwt for bird eggs. One sediment sample from Melton Pond had 0.31 ugg dwt selenium and one spike rush seed sample from Clodfelter Ponds had 1.26 ugg dwt. Based on these results, mallard tissue and some fish tissue show a degree of selenium contamination. All other samples biota and sediment were within background ranges for selenium. Mercury concentrations in some biotic samples were at levels that may be harmful to fish and wildlife. Mercury in fauna samples ranged from 0.02 to 0.16 ugg dwt for invertebrates, 0.08 to 0.46 ugg dwt in fish, 0.50 to 2.90 ugg dwt in bird livers and kidneys and 0.03 to 0.34 ugg dwt for bird eggs. Mercury was below the analytical detection level of 0.04 ugg dwt for plants and 0.02 ugg dwt for sediment. Lead levels ranged from 14.40 to 37.20 ugg dwt in all sediment samples. One aquatic invertebrate sample had lead residue levels of 13.10 ugg dwt. Method detection limits for lead in biota were too high to adequately determine risk of dietary exposure to fauna. Clodfelter Pond and Melton Lake consistently had the highest levels of inorganic compounds in sediment, plant and invertebrate samples followed by the Middle Marshes which had elevated mercury residues in invertebrates and birds.

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Pesticide exposure and reproductive success were monitored in 2 avian species to evaluate the effectiveness of pesticide use restrictions at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Reproductive success of birds using artificial nesting structures was relatively high on both reference and pesticide treated sites. Overallmean clutch size and fledge in test plots were within the ranges of values reported for starlings. Percent hatch of starlings showed a strong correlation with crop type and a significant negative correlation with the number of fungicide applications. Otherwise reproductive parameters evaluated were similar between pesticidetreated and reference areas. Significant brain cholinesterase reactivation indicated 14 n92 of nestlings found dead during the study were likely exposed to carbamate insecticides; whereas, cholinesterase reactivation analysis in apparently normal starlings suggested relatively low rates of exposure to both carbamate 1, n 256 and organophosphate 3, n 256 insecticides. Chemical analysis of dietary items indicated nestling exposure to dicamba and 2,4D herbicides, which are approved for refuge use. Analysis also indicated exposure to aldicarb, carbofuran, propazine, simazine, and dichlorprop, which are not approved for refuge use. However, all pesticides detected in the diet were below concentrations known to cause adverse effects in birds.

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The results of the organochlorine scan are shown in table 1. Eggs from the Newark Bay colony had significantly higher levels of p, p DDD, heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, and transnonachlor than eggs from the Cape Cod colony. PCBs, transnonachlor, oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide, DDE and DDD were detected in every egg from both colonies. Dieldrin and b BHC were detected in at least 50 of the eggs from both colonies.

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Metal, hydrocarbon, or nutrient data have not been recorded for the Arctic coastal plain 1002 area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Arctic Refuge in areas of prospective oil and corridor development. Predevelopment baseline data for contaminants are necessary to enable general characterization of water quality and contaminant residues, as well as to provide sitespecific predevelopment information in the event of a Congressional decision to open the Arctic coastal plain to oil and gas exploration and development. This study examines 19881989 samples of sediments, water, sedge, birds, invertebrates, and fishes from the 1002 area. Volume 1 of the three volumes in this report describes the study area, study sites, methods, and objectives, and provides summary statistics geometric mean, arithmetic mean, arithmetic standard deviation, maximum, minimum, and median for those analytes with more than 23 of the concentrations greater than the limit of detection. Volume 2contains the raw metal and hydrocarbon contaminant data, and the raw water quality data. Volume 3summarizes quality assurancequality control QAQC results which include mean relative percent differences RPDs from duplicate analyses, mean percent recoveries from spiked analyses, mean recoveries and Z scores from standard reference material analyses, and maximum concentrations from blank analyses. For a comprehensive description of all quality assurancequality control methods, also see Volume 1. These reports provide a database on a sufficient number of aquatic, terrestrial, and lagoon samples to enable general characterization of water quality and contaminant residues, as well as to provide site specific predevelopment information. The reader is strongly encouraged to use the QAQC data in Volume 3 to assess data quality on an analytebyanalyte basis for each sample matrix. This information will be used by Refuge management and State and Federal regulators to assess any post development changes that result from any oil and gas exploratory or production activities. The data will also be useful in evaluating special use permits, Clean Water Act Sections 402 and 404 permits, and State wastewater permits, and in recommending appropriate mitigation measures if development occurs on the 1002 area.

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Description

Inviable eggs from the nests of Florida bald eagles and ospreys were collected opportunistically from 1987 through 1989. Egg contents were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide OC, polychlorinated biphenyl PCB and heavy metal concentrations. The only organic contaminant found in all eggs was p,pDDE range0.274.9 ugg wet weight. Both the lowest and highest levels were in bald eagle eggs. All bald eagle eggs but one contained abovedetection limit levels of oxychlordane, heptachlor epoxide, transnonachlor, p,pDDD and PCBs. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations ranged from not detected to 34 ugg in eagle eggs the latter is the highest PCB concentration reported from Florida and from 2.1 to 3.1 ugg in osprey eggs. Mercury concentrations range0.120.60 ugg wet weight were less than those known to cause reproductive impairment; however, selenium concentrations range0.330.86 ugg wet weight, with the exception of one eagle egg and one osprey egg, were within the range known to cause reproductive impairment.

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Description

Physical, chemical and biological components at four stations on Black Creek and one station on Harland Creek reference site, Holmes County, Mississippi were evaluated using the Rapid Bioassessment Protocols RBP and the Sediment Quality Triad SQT in June 2000 in order to assess potential biological impacts of pesticides from agricultural runoff on downstream resources, with particular concern for Hillside National Wildlife Refuge Hillside NWR. Black Creek passes through the Hillside NWR before discharging into the Yazoo River. Hillside NWR is managed as bottomland hardwood forest and wetland for the protection of fish and wildlife resources. The RBI scores from the habitat evaluations of the respective stations indicated that habitat quality was similar throughout the stream system, with all sites, even the reference station, showing evidence of erosion and sedimentation. Benthic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages were also similar among stations and did not differ significantly from the reference. Most of the benthic and fish species present were categorized as tolerant or intermediately tolerant to pollution and generally adapted to live in sediment laden systems. Differences among sites were small for the benthic macroinvertebrates, but fish populations were ranked lower at Station 3 than at the other sites and the reference station. The SQT showed that sediment quality was good when based upon toxicity testing of solidphase sediments, but reduced when toxicity of pore waters was evaluated. Toxicities elicited in the pore water were attributed to elevated concentrations of copper and manganese. No organic pesticides were detected in the sediments. Although there was concordance between the RBI and SQT, the SQT for both the solidphase and porewater evaluation, demonstrated that sediment quality was reduced at several stations in comparison with the reference site. The SQT for the solidphase sediments indicated that Station 2 was impacted, and the SQT with porewater indicated that Stations 1, 2 and 3 had reduce quality. Although Cu and Mn in the pore water were elevated and contributed to the toxicity shown in the laboratory tests with pore water, potential impacts to downstream resources, particularly at Hillside NWR, are unlikely. Copper and Mn concentrations in the whole sediments appear to be within background levels and the elevated Mn in the pore water may be an artifact associated with sediment collection and manipulation. Sedimentation appears to be the most serious environmental problem in Black Creek, and sediment loads to the stream have the potential to impact benthic and fish populations, particularly in downstream areas with less gradient such as at Hillside NWR where sediments have the potential to accumulate.

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Water and sediment samples were collected from Key Cave and analyzed for 20 metals and 78 organic chemicals. Results indicated the presence of p,pDDE and elevated concentrations of seven metals Al, B, Be, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn in sediment. Restrictions on land application of sewage sludge, implementation of an integrated pest management program, and a 12month monitoring program are recommended.

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Description

No effects of offrefuge placer mining were found on the Selawik Refuge during this study. Water quality characteristics of rivers sampled during this study are typical of pristine calciummagnesium bicarbonate systems. Water quality parameters from the Kugarak Site 1, Selawik Site 2, and Tagagawik Site 3 rivers appear to be influenced by the wetlandlacustrine region in the vicinity of the sample sites. Cadmium and copper concentrations at these sites were slightly elevated in water samples. This may be a result of increased mobilization of these metals due to the lower pH and hardness at these sites. Sediment concentrations of arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, copper, mercury, molybdenum, and zinc at Sites 1, 2, 3, and 4 are characteristic of uncontaminated sediments. Although sediment barium concentrations are comparatively high, they are considered background for this area of Alaska. Consistent with findings elsewhere in Alaska, mercury concentrations in fish tissue from this study were somewhat elevated. However, mercury concentrations remained below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration action level. Two of five nickel concentrations in northern pike muscle tissue on the Selawik Refuge 2.1 and 25.7 mgkg were elevated compared to those of other areas. Further study of nickel burdens in fish on the Selawik Refuge is warranted prior to drawing final conclusions based on these limited data. Based on the results of samples from 15 northern pike and 5 Arctic grayling, mercury concentrations in dorsal and ventral muscle, and whole body analyses of these species may be used interchangeably, within each species, for tissue comparisons. However, we recommend comparisons based on tissues dissected from the same location on each fish sampled. Mercury concentrations in northern pike muscle were significantly higher than in Arctic grayling but within expected concentration ranges.

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Description

Fish and sediments were collected from Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge Clarence Cannon and the Delair Division, both of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, to determine if metal or organic contaminants were elevated in the biota located on the refuge. Whole fish and sediment samples were analyzed, results were compared to the literature, and potential contaminant problems were recognized. Metal residue concentrations of copper, iron, manganese, and zinc found in the fish samples were comparable or greater than concentrations in fish collected from known contaminated areas. However, the limited number of samples collected at the refuge areas and differing tissue types analyzed may demonstrate the reason for the apparent concentrations of concern. Sediment metal residue concentrations of arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel and zinc were in the ranges of moderately polluted to heavily polluted compared to EPA sediment guidelines. Even though these metal residue concentrations are above established guidelines, the significance of the data are difficult to interpret due to the lack of information needed to establish if the metals found in the refuge sediments are bioavailable to plants and animals and due to an inadequate sampling design. Further investigations should be initiated to determine the significance of the metal residues found in the biota and sediments collected from Clarence Cannon and the Delair Division of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The information obtained would allow the land manager to make a decision to initiate remedial activities, change the land management, or conduct more detailed studies of the potential problems.

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We collected spectacled eider Somateria fischeri eggs and shed breast contour feathers from nests on the YukonKuskokwim Delta, Alaska, in 1992 to evaluate baseline contaminant levels. Samples came from representative regions on the Deltas outer coast both during and following incubation. We present data on inorganic element concentrations from eight feather samples and 21 eggs. Mercury levels were very low and selenium levels were somewhat elevated, although still below levels clearly identified with adverse effects on waterfowl reproduction. Eggs and feathers are inappropriate indicators for lead and cadmium exposure, and reference guidelines are not available for comparison with the copper and zinc levels we detected. Levels of most other trace elements were either below detection or below concentrations of concern. Organochlorine pesticide and PCB analyses did not meet quality assurance guidelines and are not reported.

Summary

Description

The primary objective of this study was to develop a survey of baseline chemical residue data for sediment and sedimentassociated organisms e.g., forage fish and macroinvertebrates within the Refuge. This study also examined potential transfer of contaminants from sediments to forage organisms and to higher trophic levels by estimating from the baseline data the possible contaminant doses available to piscivorous birds and shorebirds on the Refuge. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating whether high levels of PCBs and other organochlorine compounds found in peregrine falcons and their eggs relate to contaminant sources on the Refuge. Specifically, the goals of this study were to: 1 characterize ambient concentrations of metals particularly mercury, organochlorine pesticides, coplanar PCBs specifically, congeners 77, 126, and 169 and organotins in sediments and forage organisms from all major and selected minor surface water drainage systems of the Barnegat, Brigantine, and Reedy Creek Divisions of the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR; 2 determine if contaminants are present in sediments and forage species at levels of concern to predatory fish, piscivorous birds, wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife; 3 evaluate if high levels of PCBs, organochlorine compounds, and mercury previously found in the tissues and eggs of peregrine falcons nesting near the Refuge relate to contaminant sources located on the Refuge; and 4 identify possible contaminant sources if any, make recommendations for future studies to further identify sources and impacts, and suggest remedial actions if necessary to protect Service trust resources.

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This report provides the results of a preliminary study of sediment contaminant levels in the St. Lawrence River. Sediment was sampled at 1 6 different locations from Clayton downstream to Massena, New York. Sediment was analyzed for inorganic and organic chemical residues. Polychlorinated biphenyl PCBs levels in Flynn Bay in the Clayton area were elevated and may reflect inputs of PCBs from Lake Ontario. Further study would be necessary to determine the spatial distribution and concentrations of PCBs in the Clayton area sediments. Elevated levels of PCBs in the Massena, New York area are consistent with industrial activity present in this area. Other organochlorines were not detected in this study. Polynuclear aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons were elevated at two sites of known industrial activity. The levels did not exceed Great Lakes criteria for heavily polluted sediments. Inorganic compounds exceeding Great Lakes criteria were detected at three of the 16 sites sampled. Two sites in the Massena area are associated with industrial activity. The remaining site in the Chippewa Bay area showing elevated inorganic levels is a nonindustrial site. It is also an important area for wintering Bald Eagles Haliaeetus leucocephalus, an endangered species. Additional study would be necessary to determine the origin, spatial distribution, and biological impacts of inorganic contaminants in the Chippewa Bay area.

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The Republican River Basin is a very large watershed in westcentral Kansas, eastern Colorado, Wyoming and southern Nebraska. This study was conducted to determine background levels of metals and organochlorine compounds in aquatic habitats in the Republican River basin, and to determine if these habitats or fisheries may have been negatively impacted by Department of the Interior irrigation projects or by other activities. The sampling was intended as a preliminary assessment of risk to fish and wildlife that use aquatic habitats in the basin. Sediment andor fish samples were collected from 33 locations and analyzed for metals aluminum, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silver, strontium, thallium, vanadium, and zinc and organochlorine.

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The objectives of this study were to determine background concentrations of metals and organic compounds in biotic and abiotic components of the Fort NiobraraValentine National Wildlife Refuge NWR Complex and document these results to utilize as baseline information for future contaminants investigations. To establish this baseline, sediment, water, and biotic samples fish, double crested cormorant eggs, and vegetation were collected from Fort Niobrara and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in 1995 and tested for inorganic and organic contaminants. Inorganics were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer ICP scans. Arsenic and selenium were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry AAS. Mercury levels were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption. Organochlorine scans were performed by capillary gas chromatography with an electron capture detector to determine organic contaminant levels. Elevated inorganic contaminant concentrations were detected in water, sediment, plant, and fish samples collected from each refuge. Only aluminum appeared elevated in water samples collected from Valentine NWR. Aluminum and arsenic appeared elevated at Fort Niobrara NWR. At Valentine NWR, elevated concentrations of metals in sediment were limited to one of the three sediment samples from Pelican Lake Valentine NWR, which contained elevated levels in 11 of 19 metals analyzed. Aquatic plants collected from Valentine NWR showed very limited contamination; only boron was elevated in the common star duckweed collected from Marsh Lake. Concentrations of boron and selenium were elevated in aquatic macrophytes collected from Fort Niobrara NWR. Elevated concentrations of copper, molybdenum, and zinc were detected in fish collected from Valentine NWR. Concentrations of aluminum, copper, selenium, and zinc appeared elevated in fish collected from Fort Niobrara NWR. None of the concentrations detected in doublecrested cormorant eggs appeared elevated. Concentrations of organics did not appear to be elevated in any of the media sampled from both refuges. The lack of intensive agriculture and absence of industrial development have likely allowed these refuges to remain in fairly pristine condition.

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This report provides the results of a study done on Lake Champlain to evaluate the level of environmental contaminants at specific sites impacted by human activities. The goal of the study was to obtain preliminary data that would identify potential impacts to fish and wildlife resources from environmental contaminants. Based on the results, recommendations for future studies were made. Pulp and paper wastes discharged into the Ticonderoga and Cumberland Bay areas have resulted in the formation of large residual sludge beds. There is a lack of knowledge regarding these beds as potential sources of toxic substances. Sample sites for this study were located in these areas. Sediment was sampled at eight different locations. Sediment was analyzed for inorganic and organic chemical residues. The results indicate that organochlorine, heavy metal, and polynuclear and aliphatic hydrocarbon contamination at the sampled sites in Lake Champlain is low and does not appear to be at concentrations exceeding concern levels. Based on these results, additional sediment sampling is not recommended at this time. A study similar to this one should be conducted in the future to monitor any possible changes in sediment contaminant concentrations. This would help minimize the potential impacts of environmental contaminants to fish and wildlife resources from pollutant sources on Lake Champlain.

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Description

Fish Tissue Samples Only the piscivorousomnivorous fish Table 1 from the off refuge site OV20 had an average mercury concentration that exceeded the EPA recommended level of 1.0 ppm for fillets EPA 1989. Concentrations of mercury in whole body samples would range from half to equal the concentrations found in fillets Wiener 1988. Therefore, the average level of mercury in fillets at OV20 may be higher than the 1.4 ppm found in this whole body sample. The other fish tissue samples, which were collected from sites within the refuge, contained lower concentrations of mercury. Average concentrations of selenium in the fish tissue samples Table 1 were all less than the EPA recommended level of 5.4 ppm for fish fillets EPA 1989. Sediment Samples Mercury concentrations in sediment samples ranged from .02 to .06 ppm Table 2. As mentioned in the level II report, background levels for mercury in soils from the United States ranged from .02 to .11 ppm in uncontaminated areas of the north central U.S. up to 4.1 ppm in contaminated sites. However, with a bioconcentration factor of 5,000 for mercury, concentrations in sediments in or near the NWR may bioaccumulate to levels of concern in biota. None of the sediment samples from on or near the NWR had selenium concentrations that approached the 1.0 ppm level which the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources DNR considers safe for open water dumping Wisconsin DNR 1985.