Abstract |
The objective of the report is to determine the distribution of selected metals in suspended material and fluid mud, to identify potential zones of toxic accumulation, and to trace their transport routes. Observations of flow, salinity, suspended material, pH, and dissolved oxygen were accomplished in Bay-wide longitudinal sections and at four anchor stations in the northern Bay between March 1979 and April 1980. The observations cover a range of conditions, including seasonal high-low river discharge, sediment influx, neap-spring tide range, and oxygenated-anoxic water. Samples of suspended material, fluid mud, and bed sediment were analyzed for their particle size, organic matter, and metal content. Metal concentrations of As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn in fluid mud and bed sediment per gram of material decrease seaward from a maximum in the Baltimore-Susquehanna River Area. Management and monitoring strategies are provided to reduce potentially toxic metals to acceptable levels and warn management agencies of toxic hazards. |