![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090513080605im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Integrating Foodweb Studies into Monitored Natural Recovery (MNR) Projects
Objective:
Develop analytical tools and indicators to assess ecosystem recovery from PCB contamination.
Approach:
- Use Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA) to quantify foodweb linkages in a reservoir and wadeable streams.
- Combine SIA and tissue data to model the fate, transport and persistence of PCBs in aquatic ecosystems.
- Develop novel ecological indicators and tools for MNR projects.
Why This Research Is Needed:
Monitored Natural Recovery (using natural processes to reduce risk of contaminated sediments) is a key component of the mitigation plan for the Sangamo-Weston Superfund site near Clemson, SC. PCBs from the site contaminated adjacent streams and Lake Hartwell, a Savannah River reservoir. The EPA oversees yearly monitoring of PCBs in the Lake Hartwell Ecosystem (LHE), but the importance of PCB cycling within foodwebs is unknown. This EERD study will determine Carbon and Nitrogen stable isotope signatures of indigenous fauna to characterize foodweb dynamics in the stream and lake environments. These data will be analyzed along with PCB tissue data to model the fate, transport, and persistence of PCBs within the LHE. This approach will improve our ability to gage the effectiveness of the MNR project and to predict recovery time of the LHE.
EERD Experience:
- Conducted longitudinal study of stream foodwebs and contamination.
- Evaluating existing monitoring data from Lake Hartwell for foodweb modeling.
Expected Outputs/Outcomes:
This research will lead to the development of novel indicators to assess ecosystem recovery from large-scale contamination. These tools will enhance our ability to assess remediation efforts and to predict the outcomes of different management scenarios.
Partners: NERL Athens, NRMRL Cincinnati
Contact: David Walters (walters.davidm@epa.gov) (Cincinnati, OH)