Project Summary (1995-2000)

The focus of this project is to investigate current sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT-derived compounds, and chlordane, by analysis of dated sediment cores and samples from waste water treatment plants. Comparisons of PCB compositions in archived and recent sediment core samples are used to elucidate the rates and pathways of in situ reductive dechlorination, a process that reduces the carcinogenic toxicity of PCBs and forms the basis of several new remediation technologies. Extracts of representative contaminated sediments are supplied for Projects 6 and 7, which address direct links between contaminant exposure and human breast cancer.