Comparison of wastewater-associated contaminants in the bed sediment of Hempstead Bay, New York, before and after Hurricane Sandy. Issue 2 (30th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fisher, Shawn C.; Phillips, Patrick J.; Brownawell, Bruce J.; Browne, James P.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 107:Issue 2(2016:Jun.)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 508
• Publication Date: 2016-06-30
• Subjects: Hurricane Sandy -- Hempstead Bay -- Organic wastewater contaminant -- Hormone -- Sewage -- Wastewater infrastructure; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.03.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Changes in bed sediment chemistry of Hempstead Bay (HB) have been evaluated in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which resulted in the release of billions of liters of poorly-treated sewage into tributaries and channels throughout the bay. Surficial grab samples (top 5 cm) collected before and (or) after Hurricane Sandy from sixteen sites in HB were analyzed for 74 wastewater tracers and steroid hormones, and total organic carbon. Data from pre- and post-storm comparisons of the most frequently detected wastewater tracers and ratios of steroid hormone and of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations indicate an increased sewage signal near outfalls and downstream of where raw sewage was discharged. Median concentration of wastewater tracers decreased after the storm at sites further from outfalls. Overall, changes in sediment quality probably resulted from a combination of additional sewage inputs, sediment redistribution, and stormwater runoff in the days to weeks following Hurricane Sandy. Highlights: First reporting of hormones in Hempstead Bay sediment First reporting of wastewater-indicator compounds in Hempstead Bay post-Sandy Wastewater-related compounds increased near sewage outfalls after Hurricane Sandy. Persistent contamination in sediment with contributions from sewage and stormwater