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https://hdl.handle.net/11681/25657| Title: | Ocean dumping in the New York Bight : an assessment of environmental studies |
| Authors: | Pararas-Carayannis, George |
| Keywords: | Waste disposal in the ocean--New York (State) Sewage sludge--New York (State) Sewage disposal--New York (State) |
| Publisher: | Coastal Engineering Research Center (U.S.) |
| Series/Report no.: | Technical Memorandum (Coastal Engineering Research Center (U.S.));no. 39 |
| Abstract: | Interdisciplinary short-term investigations related to the effects of ocean dumping in the New York Bight were contracted by the Coastal Engineering Research Center (CERC) as directed by Office, Chief of Engineers. Studies made by the Sandy Hook Laboratory of the National Marine Fisheries, the State University of New York at Stony Brook, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and the Sperry Rand Corporation were reviewed by a special advisory committee established by the Smithsonian Institution at CERC's request. The studies included hydrographic, geological, chemical, biological investigations, and a feasibility study for a remote-controlled electronic sensing system that could assist regulating agencies in detecting the location and dump status of waste disposal vessels operating in the Bight. Circulation patterns were estimated from data obtained by current meters and by seabed and surface drifters. Chemical analyses were made of the concentration of phosphorus (ortho, organic, meta, and total), nitrate, total iron, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyl-a in water samples. Temperature, salinity, turbidity and pH were measured. Sediment samples were analyzed for organic content and the heavy metals, copper, chromium, lead, silver, nickel and zinc. Selected biological samples were analyzed for heavy metals and mercury. Biological investigations included studies of benthic meiofauna and macrofauna, zooplankton, finfish and bacteria. The studies include basic data related to the disposal of sewage sludge, dredge spoils and acid-iron wastes, and have helped provide a more detailed environmental description of the Bight dumping grounds and adjacent areas. The findings of these and other related studies are presented and analyzed in this report in terms of impact on ecology, water quality, and total environmental effects. |
| Description: | Technical Memorandum |
| Rights: | Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11681/25657 |
| Appears in Collections: | Technical Memorandum |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CERC Technical Memorandum No 39.pdf | 9.37 MB | Adobe PDF |  View/Open |