Superfund Research Program
Persistent Organochlorines in the Hudson River Watershed
Project Leaders: Richard F. Bopp (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Jun Abrajano
Grant Number: P42ES007384
Funding Period: 2001 - 2006
Project-Specific Links
- Project Summary
Final Progress Reports
Year: 2005
The goal of this project is to analyze dated sediment cores from the
· PBDE data interpretation – Initial investigations into these important brominated flame retardants in NY/NJ harbor sediments determined the rate of increase on a decadal timescale associated with increased use of these compounds and found the first evidence that the rate of increase may be slowing. Inputs of PBDEs to harbor sediments associated with the World Trade Center disaster have been characterized, quantified and related to other tracers (fibers, copper, specific PCB congeners).
· PCBs in sediments of the upper Hudson– Dr. Bopp’s lab discovered significant depositional areas in the
Year 2005 time horizon samples were collected in November, adding to yearly sampling (2002-2005) that will define contaminant transport from the upper
· PCBs in lower
· Mercury analysis – Direct mercury analysis capability was added to our laboratory this summer. Details are presented in the Program Highlights.
Through a pilot project and other collaboration with Dr. Bruce Brownawell at SUNY Stony Brook, analyses of Dr. Bopps’s samples have been used to study the sources, distribution, and fate of APEs (widely used endocrine-disrupting surfactants) throughout the drainage basin. Collaboration with Dr. Beizhan Yan at RPI has resulted in analogous studies of PAHs. There are currently three graduate students (two Master’s, one PhD) working at RPI on the PBDE, PCB, and trace metal studies described above.