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Poster Abstracts
Title: The Power of Interpretation: The Roosevelt Wild Life Station at SUNY-ESF's Contributions to EMPACT
Authors:
Paul B. Hai and D. Andrew Saunders
Roosevelt Wild Life Station, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Abstract: The Roosevelt Wild Life Station (RWLS), as part of the Onondaga Lake and Seneca River EMPACT (Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking) Project team, is completing six different educational projects treating Onondaga Lake, generally considered the most polluted lake in the nation. The RWLS at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) is coordinating all aspects of the design and production for the community-based educational materials, which include (1) public interpretive lake-side walks (2) two interpretive lake-side self-guiding trails with accompanying illustrated booklets (3) a narrated interpretive CD based on the self-guiding trails, (4) two interpretive panels for the Onondaga County Park's Salt Museum (5) an interactive kiosk located at the regional science museum, and (6) an interpretive curriculum developed for the Syracuse City School District. The design process for all materials utilizes the tenets and principles of thematic interpretation, an education process focusing on communicating information through the interaction of audience and material.
Title: EMPACT METRO Project: Resolution of Multiple Signatures of Water Quality Impacts in Onondaga Lake, and Seneca River, NY, using Remote Monitoring Buoys
Authors:
David M. O'Donnell
Innovative Engineering & Technology
DeWitt, NY 13214
Steven W. Effler
Upstate Freshwater Institute
P.O. Box 506
Syracuse, New York 13214
Abstract: Two RUSS (Remote Underwater Sampling Station) buoys from Apprise Technologies have been collecting multiple profiles within individual days at a deep (~ 19 m) location in Onondaga Lake since May 2000 and in the river downstream of the lake outflow since August 2000. These buoys are equipped with temperature (T), specific conductance (SC), dissolved oxygen (DO), redox potential (ORP), pH, turbidity (Tn), and chlorophyll (Chl) sensors. Additionally the lake buoy is equipped with up- and downwelling irradiance (I) sensors, a chloride (Cl-) probe, and a meteorological station. Onondaga Lake, located in metropolitan Syracuse, NY, has been described as the most polluted lake in the United States, suffering from residual industrial waste inputs and large nutrient loads from the local domestic waste treatment facility. The river is impacted by a zebra mussel invasion and outflow from the lake. Data from the buoy are delivered in near-real-time to a web site (www.ourlake.org) for dissemination to the community, local schools, lake managers, and the research community. Example vertically and temporally detailed patterns are presented that depict several of the degraded features of the lake and river. These patterns include: (1) features of the spring phytoplankton bloom (Chl) and subsequent clearing phase (Chl, Tn), (2) the progressive depletion of hypolimnetic DO, and (3) the occurrence of mid-depth salinity maxima (SC) from the plunging of saline inflow, (4) the effect of zebra mussel respiration and hypereutrophic lake outflow in the river are shown in (DO) and (Tn).
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Title: Biogeochemical Speciation of Copper within Onondaga Lake, Onondaga County, New York Investigators
Authors:
M.A. Moreland and L.R. Kump
Penn State Department of Geosciences
A.D. Jones
Penn State Department of Chemistry
Abstract: A seasonal study of Onondaga Lake's (OL) copper chemistry was initiated in December, 2000 and will continue through 2001. The goals of this study are: (1) to quantify the spatial and temporal distributions of aqueous Cu within Onondaga Lake and its four major inflows: METRO, Ley Creek, Onondaga Creek, and Ninemile Creek; (2) to quantify the degree of organic complexation of Cu by employing differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV, an electrochemical technique that characterizes the concentration of organic ligands and their affinity for copper); and (3) to develop a model of Cu complexation based on the USGS's geochemical modeling program, PHREEQC.
Field investigations of other lakes and copper-contaminated water bodies (e.g. Boston Harbor) have revealed the existence of strong Cu-binding ligands. The biogenic origin of these ligands is supported by culture studies that show that cyanobacteria synthesize Cu-binding ligands under Cu stress. We hypothesize the existence of this Cu-detoxifying mechanism in OL, and have designed an experiment to evaluate it. By analyzing OL samples taken throughout the seasonal cycle, and in different regions of the lake (north to south end, shallow to deeper waters), connections between biologic productivity and organic copper speciation should be resolved.
This poster summarizes the planning and preliminary results of this study. The sampling strategy is summarized, and trace metal protocols involving sample collection and storage, bottle washing and sample handling are discussed. DPASV theory is presented, and initial titration results are shown. In addition, data on the spatial distribution of other trace metals in OL are presented.
Title: Impact of Fishing Derby on Gasoline Concentration in Onondaga Lake
Authors:
K. Galvan, J. Hintz, R. Lonergan, A. Avallone, J. Hassett
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY
Abstract: Gasoline compounds in Onondaga Lake were sampled using Passive In-Situ Concentration Extraction Samplers (PISCES). Target compounds in lake water diffuse through polyethylene membranes into hexane contained in the sampler. The effect of increased motorboat use on gasoline compound concentrations was measured by sampling several sites the week before, the week of, and two weeks after the Channel 5 Fishing Derby in August, 2001. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography/ mass spectroscopy. Compounds were identified and quantified by their mass spectra and by comparison to known standards. Gasoline compound concentrations were significantly higher the week of the Derby compared to the time periods immediately before and after. This indicates that increase of gasoline concentration in the water is due to motorboat exhaust rather than other sources such as runoff.
Title: Mercury Dynamics and a Hypolimnetic Model of Onondaga Lake
Authors:
C.W. Sharpe
O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.
C.T. Driscoll
Syracuse University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract: In this study, the dynamics of mercury (HG) were investigated in the hypolimnion of Onondaga Lake, NY. Concentrations and pools of total and methyl Hg (MeHg) and the fate of Hg inputs were investigated through the summer stratification to the fall mixing period using measurements in the water column and sediment traps. Total Hg (HgT) concentrations in the water column ranged from 1.4 ng/L to 17.5 ng·L-1, with MeHg ranging from 0 ng·L-1 to 11.9 ng·L-1. Peak concentrations of MeHg were evident at 19 meters in early July, at 15 meters in early September, and below 15 meters through the month of October, which marked the extent of the anoxic period of the hypolimnion. Total Hg concentrations peaked at 19 meters in late July and late August and below 15 meters through October. Total Hg concentrations were uniformly elevated in the water column after the fall mixing period, with an average concentration of 13.4 ng·L-1. Methyl Hg concentrations ranged between 0% to 96% of the HgT. The percentage of HgT that occurred as MeHg displayed peaks matching decreases in HgT concentrations in the water column generally, rather than increases in MeHg. Settling particles collected using sediment traps at a depth of 10 meters were analyzed for HgT and MeHg concentrations and combined with water column concentrations below the thermocline to develop a hypolimnetic mass balance to address the ultimate fate of Hg in the lake.
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Title: Industry Runs A-Muck: Mapping Sediment Contamination in Onondaga Lake
Authors:
Myrna Hall and Donald Hughes
SUNY ESF
Syracuse, NY
Abstract: Over 100 core samples of Onondaga Lake sediments were collected in 1992 as part of the Onondaga Lake Superfund investigations. Sediment analyses reveal that a wide variety of contaminants are spread throughout the lake bottom's upper 2 meters, including mercury and other heavy metals, chlorobenzenes, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and diphenyl ethanes. These pollutants are a silent testament to 100 years of industrial production of inorganic chemicals (e.g. soda ash, chlorine); organic chemicals (e.g. benzene, toluene, chlorobenzenes, coal tar); and steel. Many manufacturing industries, including the Solvay Process Company (started 1884), Onondaga Iron Works (1869), Crucible Steel and others fueled the economic growth and development of Syracuse, NY. However, one hundred years of unconstrained industrial waste disposal, first to unwanted wetlands, and then to the lake itself, have now left the city of Syracuse with the ignoble distinction of possessing the nation's 'dirtiest lake'.
In order to assess the level and extent of some of the most persistent contaminants found in the lake's bottom, we used the geostatistical function known as 'kriging' to map mercury, dichlorobenzenes, PCBs, and benzene in the surface (0-30 cm) sediments. . Cressie (1993) defines 'kriging' as making inferences on unobserved values of the random process in the z dimension, and states that it is "synonymous with 'optimal prediction'." Although the level and extent of most contaminants is greater in the deeper sediments, it is the contaminants in the upper layer of the lake's sediments that pose the highest risk to wildlife and human health. Here the potential for release of contaminants into the water column and to lake biota is the most likely. To assess the severity of sediment contamination, chemical concentrations were compared with New York State sediment criteria (NYSDEC, 1999). Our analysis is conservative. For all samples marked as 'non-detect', i.e. the value reported falls somewhere between that value and zero, we assign a value of zero. Total organic carbon (OC) levels were employed for criteria expressed in terms of OC content (i.e. non-polar organic chemicals). Sediments containing less than criteria values are considered "non-toxic" for that chemical. Contaminated sediments were categorized by severity of contamination: 1-5 times the criteria, 5-25 times, 25-100 times, etc. We found that mercury concentrations in surface sediments are up to 33.8 times the NYS "severe effects level" criterion. Dichlorobenzenes (sum of o-, p-, and m- isomers) exceed the criterion based on chronic toxicity up to 113 times. For PCBs two criteria were used: 1) based on chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms, and 2) based on bioaccumulation in wildlife. These criteria were exceeded up to 23.4 and 323 times, respectively. Two criteria for benzene were employed as well. These were exceeded up to 27.9 times (chronic toxicity) and 1300 times (for protection of human health). We found that while nearly the entire lake sediment surface exceeds one or more sediment criteria, less than half of the surface sediments in Onondaga Lake are contaminated at >5 times the NYS sediment criteria for these pollutants.
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Title: A Two-dimensional water quality-zebra mussel model for Seneca River: Preliminary Results
Authors:
Rakesh K. Gelda and Steven W. Effler
Upstate Freshwater Institute
Abstract: The development, testing and application of a dynamic two-dimensional (longitudinal-vertical) coupled water quality-zebra mussel model for Seneca River, NY, is presented. The model accounts for the (i) filtering of chlorophyll (Chl) and other particulates, (ii) loss of dissolved oxygen (DO) due to respiration, and (iii) excretion of nutrients (soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonia), by the zebra mussels. The test system is a phytoplankton-rich section (~ 15 km long) of the Seneca River that is believed to represent an upper bound of the impact of this exotic invader. Changes in common measures of water quality of the river brought about by the zebra mussel invasion are reviewed and related longitudinalpatterns in DO, Chl, Secchi disc transparency, soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonia are documented. Model testing is supported by comprehensive measurements of various forcing conditions over a three-month period, and independent determinations of several model coefficients.
Wide variations in the areal consumption rate of DO (Zebra Mussel Oxygen Demand; ZOD; g·m-2·d-1), filtering rate (m3·m-2·d-1) and excretion rates of nutrients (mgP·m-2·d-1, and mgN·m-2·d-1) of zebra mussels, as determined through model calibration, occurred over the study period. Average values of ZOD and filtering were 13.6 g·m-2·d-1 and 4.1 m3·m-2·d-1, respectively. Average rates of excretion of soluble reactive phosphorus and ammonia were 46 mgP·m-2·d-1, and 450 mgN·m-2·d-1, respectively. These rates are several times greater than those associated with organically enriched deposits. Model projections of oxygen resources of the riverare presented in a probabilistic format in evaluating reductions in zebra mussel biomass that would be necessary to eliminate violations of standards and regain assimilative capacity.
Title: Asking the Five Million Dollar Questions
Authors:
Patricia F. Thompson and Neil H. Ringler
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Abstract: Recently Onondaga County residents expressed interest in the clean up of Onondaga Lake. In conjunction with The Roosevelt Wildlife Station we provided that opportunity by presenting an educational booth during the 5-million dollar Ultimate Fishing Challenge (August 3rd, 4th and 5th 2001), conducting a survey at the derby and creating a website called the Onondaga Lake Fishery Forum.
We conducted a survey and hosted a booth at the derby. Our booth featured three aquaria with lake specimens and invited guest researchers from SUNY ESF and Upstate Freshwater Institute. Our survey objectives were to determine the derby participant's demographics, types of regular fishing, interest in types of fishing at Onondaga lake, personal importance of the lake clean up and the estimated increase in fishing if anglers could consume their catch. These survey data may be biased due to survey error, small sampling size and limitation to shore anglers.
More than half of the participants were male residents of Onondaga County between the ages of 30 and 59. Anglers were most motivated by the prizes and least by helping with the lake clean up. More than half of the interviewees had never before fished Onondaga Lake, suggesting residents and non-residents alike are reluctant to fish Onondaga Lake. In general, anglers targeted warm water fishes. For Onondaga Lake, anglers were most interested in having a strong warm water fishery.
81% of the participants felt it was very important (1 on a scale of 1 to 5) that the lake was cleaned up. Respondents revealed they that felt passionately about having a clean lake because it is a good place to enjoy with their children, a convenient place to fish, and the lake has potential as a tourist attraction. Others were disgusted by the lake's smell and pessimistic that they would not see a clean lake in their lifetime, nor would we ever be able to eat the fish. Despite the pessimism, 130 participants noted they would take and additional 22.9 (+/- 4.2 standard error) trips annually to Onondaga Lake if they could eat the fish; women estimated significantly more trips than men.
The Onondaga Lake fishery forum is currently evolving. It will include links to Onondaga Lake researchers, information about lake biota, survey results, question and answers opportunities and a bulletin board for posting message about your dreams for the lake. Please visit us at www.esf.edu/org/afs/derby_main.htm
Title: If You Build It, They May Come. . ., But Will We Know? Assessing Macroinvertebrate Responses to the Onondaga Lake Littoral Manipulation
Authors:
Darran L. Crabtree, Autumn M. White, Meredith Perreault, Graham Lewis, Alexander J. Smith, and Neil H. Ringler
State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Abstract: The littoral zone of Onondaga Lake has been negatively impacted due to decades of industrial and municipal pollution. Recent reductions in external loading of pollutants have set the stage for littoral improvements. However in certain parts of the lake, unique substrate material, called oncolites, may continue to limit aquatic vegetation. Oncolites are calcareous concretions that resemble rocks, but have relatively low mass. Wind and wave action can easily disturb oncolitic substrates, thus reducing the suitability for rooted aquatic vegetation. Because aquatic vegetation is important habitat for young fishes and invertebrates, methods to reduce the effects of wind and waves on the littoral zone are currently being explored. One wave-break (referred to as a habitat module, HM) has been constructed.
We investigated the use of benthic invertebrates as a method for assessing potential changes to the littoral zone. Aquatic macrophytes have been shown to increase benthic invertebrate densities and richness, primarily through an increase in available substrate surface area. Since we were unsure of the spatial scale at which the HM would influence invertebrate populations, our sampling explored both large-scale (2000 m) and small-scale (30 m) distributions, prior to the HM installation. The HM is hypothesized to affect relatively shallow areas (< 1 m), so we collected invertebrates at 1, 2, and 3 m depth to obtain baseline data on depth-specific invertebratedistributions, and to observe any enrichment (in densities and richness) of the shallows compared with deeper sites.
We used power analysis to determine our ability to detect potential changes in the benthic community after the installation of the HM. Based on our sampling effort, we have an 80% probability of detecting a 37% change in the density of total midges (Chironomidae, Diptera). However for individual taxa, which exhibit much greater spatial variation, such as genera hydroptila (sp.)(Hydroptilidae, Trichoptera), our power to detect change decreases tremendously. Therefore, the monitoring of midges as a group is feasible, but we will need much greater sampling effort if detecting change at the genus and/or species level is desired
Title: Pedogenesis and Horizonation in Immature Soils Originating from Chlor-alkali Wastes
Authors:
E. M. Michalenko, Ph.D. and D. L. Dindal, Ph.D.
Onondaga Lake Cleanup Corp.
Abstract: Immature soil development and the formation of soil horizons was observed in saline, calcareous substrates of various aged Solvay Wastebeds, Syracuse, NY. Measurements of biological, chemical and physical soil properties were used to demonstrate changing soil conditions and temporal relationships.
At abandonment, Solvay waste material was inimical to life. Caustic conditions persisted for years. Exchangeable levels of major bases were excessive; in order of abundance: Ca>Na>Mg>K. Water, an agent responsible for intense negative selection pressures, also rapidly leached bases. Soil salinity and pH rapidly declined, and within 5 yrs post-abandonment, life was permanently established, which greatly influenced soil development. Within 10 years and thereafter, levels of major cations followed the lyotropic series.
In contrast to representative natural soils of the northeastern US, immature Solvay soils were relatively fine textured with low particle and bulk densities. Consequently, Solvay soils are similar to soils of volcanic origin and they are susceptible to erosion. They also maintained high water contents and saturation capacities; infiltration and field hydraulic conductivity rates were rapid at the surface. Total porosities were large, but microporous and retained water. Hence, the zone of hydration was shallow and soils were anaerobic.
Community metabolism, microbial energetics and nutrient availability were adversely affected under alkaline and reduced conditions. Anaerobic bacteria were selected for, which worsened an already profound nutrient imbalance. Vital elements such as N and S were fugitive to the distiller wastes, yet they existed in unfavorable oxidations states. Scarce micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn formed precipitates of metallic hydroxides and oxides. Insufficient supplies of organic materials and cadmium toxicity further inhibited biotic growth.
Virtually every parameter showed improvement with the age of Solvay soil substrate. Water stable aggregation increased with the accrual of organic matter and a concomitant expansion in the microbial population. Improved soil structure caused better drainage and enhanced soil aeration. The zone of hydration, which approximates the edge of negative selection pressures, receded over time, and soil transformations transcended the profile as changes in the substrata lagged behind those of the upper layers.
Horizonation in immature Solvay soils involved eluviation and dealkalization of the upper soil and leucinization of the entire profile. The translocation of materials occurred as fine materials were lost from surface layers and dark striations disappeared from the uppermost strata. The effect was a decrease in particle size with depth of profile that became more pronounced with soil age. For younger Solvay soils, the width and topography of horizon borders were abrupt and smooth, respectively. Upon aging, boundaries between strata became progressively more diffuse and irregular. Stabilization at the surface and continual enrichment, decomposition and humification of amorphous organic additions lead to melanization of the uppermost Solvay soil. Almost 60 yrs post-abandonment was required for the formation of an A horizon accompanied with overlying litter layers. After 80 yrs, Solvay soil profiles were essentially composed of two basic strata, the upper organic and lower mineral layers.
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