Biogeochemical pathways and land use associations of potentially toxic metals in the Anchorage watershed, Alaska
Dates
Year
2007
Citation
Burich, Bradley E., 2007, Biogeochemical pathways and land use associations of potentially toxic metals in the Anchorage watershed, Alaska: University of Alaska Anchorage.
Summary
Previous studies indicate streams in the watershed of Anchorage, AK, contain elevated concentrations of several Potentially Toxic Metals (PTMs) in the water, suspended and streambed sediment and benthic macro invertebrates. This study investigated the sources, distribution, and uptake of PTMs by aquatic organisms in the watershed and their relationship to land-use patterns. Sampling sites were chosen that represent the watercourses of each of the four major streams in Anchorage. Water, streambed sediment, various species of benthic macroinvertebrates and slimy sculpin ( Cottus cognatus ) were collected throughout the summer of 2005. A lake sediment core was also collected from Campbell Lake to assess PTM deposition with land use change [...]
Summary
Previous studies indicate streams in the watershed of Anchorage, AK, contain elevated concentrations of several Potentially Toxic Metals (PTMs) in the water, suspended and streambed sediment and benthic macro invertebrates. This study investigated the sources, distribution, and uptake of PTMs by aquatic organisms in the watershed and their relationship to land-use patterns. Sampling sites were chosen that represent the watercourses of each of the four major streams in Anchorage. Water, streambed sediment, various species of benthic macroinvertebrates and slimy sculpin ( Cottus cognatus ) were collected throughout the summer of 2005. A lake sediment core was also collected from Campbell Lake to assess PTM deposition with land use change over Lime. All samples were analyzed for major and trace element concentrations by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Elevated concentrations of Mn, Zn, and Pb were found in various media suggesting anthropogenic input due to increased urbanization and road density.