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CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH A COASTAL GOLF COURSE COMPLEX
Citation:
Lewis, M A., S S. Foss, P S. Harris, R S. Stanley, AND J C. Moore. CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH A COASTAL GOLF COURSE COMPLEX. Presented at 21st Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Nashville, TN, 12-16, November 2000.
Description:
The increasing density of golf courses represents a potential source of contamination to nearby coastal areas, the chemical and biological magnitude of which is almost unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the concentrations of contaminants and toxicities of sediments collected from reference areas and areas proximal to a coastal golf course complex. Sediment contaminant concentrations were determined at least twice during the 2-year study period at 14 sampling stations. In addition, a total of forty-two acute and chronic bioassays were conducted exposing four invertebrate test species to whole sediments and associated pore waters collected from the 14 sampling stations. Overall, the golf course complex had a measurable impact on sediment chemical quality. Higher concentrations of several trace metals and organochlorine pesticides were detected in many golf course-associated sediments compared to reference areas; however, concentrations decreased seaward and only a few exceeded proposed numerical sediment quality assessment guidelines. Chromium, zinc and mercury were detected more frequently than other trace metals. DDT and associated metabolites, dieldrin and chlordane were the more commonly detected organic contaminants. Acute toxicity was uncommon and occurred consistently at only one coastal location. In contrast, significant chronic toxicity occurred at several study sites based on the response of two invertebrate test species. It was concluded that the impact of golf courses on sediment toxicity may not be acute and, consequently, sensitive biological assessment methods, such as chronic studies, may be needed to determine their possible adverse ecological effects.